Wines from Sicily

The country dance (controdanza) is a typical dance in which man and woman face each other and unite in graceful movements - depending on their gender, the dancers interpret the music in their own way. This wine is exactly the same: Nero d'Aola and Merlot - opposites attract and, with the right sensitivity, can harmonise and contrast wonderfully.

Strong purple colour. Mulberry and plum contrast with incense and balsamic notes. The grapes all come from chalky soils, which in turn creates a bridge and makes this young wine balanced and harmonious. Soft tannins and a beautifully integrated, delicate acidity carry Controdanza into a supple, medium-length finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. Inviting on the nose, fruity flavours of cherry and wild berries, underpinned by spicy notes. Full fruit on the palate, dense tannins, mouth-filling, juicy with a lingering final." Falstaff

"Fragrant, with floral, spicy and mineral accents, this wine displays a creamy palette of plump cherry and warm fig fruit flavours, enveloping slightly chewy tannins. Fresh, long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of baked cherries, mushrooms, basil and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins. Beautifully ripe red fruits on the palate, with a subtle savoury character. Finishes with vanilla." James Suckling

"The nose starts with a balanced blend of vanilla and herbs, then becomes a little sharper, but remains balanced with flavours of pepper, pencil shavings and black cherries. On the palate, the tension between fruit and earth continues, with the cherries hovering over herbal, umami undertones. The acidity dances past the chewy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Controdanza opens with a burst of wild berries and spices, complicated by chalk dust and hints of crushed violet candies. This is juicy and lively on the palate with vivid wild blueberry fruit and purple/blue inner florals that amass toward the close. It finishes classically dry with a pleasantly bitter tinge, leaving notes of licorice and sage to slowly fade." Vinous

Very graceful and dry version of the Sicilian Moscato: Light golden yellow, floral notes and hints of peach and pear on the nose with a touch of orange blossom. Aromatic on the palate with good, medium pressure, some elegance and a very nice finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Cerasuolo di Vittoria - an established local red with a great tradition and just as much character. Typical aroma of the wines from Vittoria: Aromas of red berries, cherries, prickly pear, ginger and fruit sweets. Flavoursome, extremely complex, fresh, lively and yet balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet shimmer. The bouquet has an intense aroma of ripe raspberries, followed by a spicy flavour with a hint of dark chocolate. Clear and precise on the palate with finesse and elegance, espresso retronasal, well-integrated and fine-grained tannins, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Notes of juicy cherries and boysenberries are underscored by tar, smoke and grilled herbs in this lively, light to medium-bodied red wine that finishes silky and savoury." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, there are aromas of cherry blossom, raspberry and blood orange, as well as spicy notes of pencil shavings and black tea. On the palate, cherries and raspberries macerate, but the sanguine, almost chalky bitterness of the tea leaves lingers before a salted chocolate finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The peppery and floral Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2022 smells of a spicy blend of crushed wild berries and savoury herbs. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp red and blue fruits. A tantalising acidity refreshes the palate towards the end. It finishes classically dry, but fresh and floral, leaving a violet finish." Vinous

Plumbago is a pure Nero d'Avola: rich ruby-violet colour, powerful, slightly reductive bouquet with aromas of dark cherries, raspberries and a little rosemary. Supple, soft and almost light on the palate, beautiful blueberry flavours and well-dosed tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicious, driven, succulent and lively nero d’avola. On the nose cherries, forest berries, dried herbs and baking spices dominate. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and bright acidity. Plenty of verve, succulence and transparency, with a focused finish that shows excellent length." James Suckling

Golden yellow, fresh, aromatic muscatel-citrus flavour, dry and balanced on the palate, with fine notes of elderflower and invigorating acidity. A beguilingly round wine with a long final and perfect acidity - for us one of the best dry Moscati in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

Strong, brilliant ruby red colour. Cool and not too sweet Marasca cherry jam on the nose. The indigenous Perricone grape gives this red wine a complex depth. Tannins full of character and an elegant final impressively round off the overall impression of this very distinctive red. SUPERIORE.DE

A pure Frappato is a rarity, as this very late-ripening grape variety is usually blended with others. Frappato thrives on the sandy soils of Vittoria in south-east Sicily and produces a complex wine with race and character. A floral bouquet with aromas of cherry and peach, notes of strawberry on the palate, slightly mineral and very energetic, with a finish reminiscent of apple and orange peel. Ideal food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

Ruby red with violet reflections. Mulberries, spices and black pepper on the nose. Round, full flavour of black cherry and blueberry, with spice aromas and a subtle pepper note on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sherazade - a beautiful protagonist from A Thousand and One Nights and a wonderful Nero d'Avola from the south-west of the island, which grows on clay soils. Concentrated ruby red colour, fruity, balsamic aroma with mineral tones, followed by a sweet hint of cocoa. Soft on the palate with memories of sour cherries and blackberries. SUPERIORE.DE

Pellegrino's Grillo Superiore matures longer on the fine lees than Il Salinario. Brilliant straw yellow in the glass. The bouquet is intense and complex, floral and fragrant, the scent of yellow flowers is flanked by buttery notes and hints of peach and hazelnut. Intense and persistent on the palate, very soft, fresh and with moderate acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow with silver-coloured nuances. Restrained on the nose, with hints of white peach and citrus fruit. Clear on the palate, with a beautiful fruity flavour and invigorating acidity through to the lingering, juicy final." Falstaff

"Straw yellow in colour. Powerful, lifted and youthful citrus fruit. The same youthfulness on the palate, with multi-layered citrus fruit and lovely, structuring acidity and fine texture. You'll finish the bottle in no time, but it will be exciting to see it mature." Jancis Robinson

"A fresh, concentrated and crisp white with lemons, tangerine peel, nectarines, dried flowers and a hint of flinty minerality on the nose. Medium-bodied, firm and crisp with juicy acidity. Bright and clean." James Suckling

"This Grillo opens with some delicate apple and lemon peel scents, before some bold spiciness and energising salinity emerge in the mouth. Vibrant lemon, apple and white peach mingle on the nervy palate." Decanter

Ulysse presents itself in a strong ruby red colour with garnet-red reflections. Attractive aromas of black cherries, redcurrants, raspberries, violets and spices emanate from the glass. Cherry, plum, tobacco and liquorice on the medium-bodied palate, followed by the typical Nerello elegance that makes Etna reds so attractive. Lots of juice and acidity on the final, making you want to take the next sip. SUPERIORE.DE

Powerful white wine with an interesting bouquet of lemon, orange peel, dried basil and fragrant jasmine. Generous and balanced tropical fruit flavours on the palate, delicately salty, enveloping and long. SUPERIORE.DE

A zesty white wine with energetic, maritime flavours of citrus, lime and oyster shell. Focussed and long on the palate. The Grillo grape is a cross between Moscato and Catarratto, which explains the variety of aromatic sweetness and mineral finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Grillo SurSur opens with a burst of grapefruit and lime zest complicated by a whiff of savory herbs. This is highly energetic, with a zesty core of acidity and gingery spices propelled by juicy acidity. The SurSur finishes with medium length and a sour citrus resonance, resetting the palate for another tension-filled sip." Vinous

Tasca's Perricone is bright ruby in colour, with hints of red berries, blackberries, cherries and spices, tasting fresh and lively. A fine minerality and a hint of nuts on the final, very long and complex on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, simple and floral bouquet with notes of quince, baked cherries, cranberries and violets. Fleshy and medium to full-bodied on the palate with soft tannins and a round, fruity finish. Simple, generous and convivial." James Suckling

"This rare varietal Perricone, from vines growing at 480 metres above sea level in the province of Palermo, is bright and herbal with bitter black fruits. Intense and juicy, it has a balsamic edge and fine, sandy tannins." Decanter

"The Perricone Guarnaccio 2021 is perfumed with a dusty blend of black cherries, liquorice and sage. It glides across the palate like pure silk, showing polished red and black fruits accompanied by balsamic spices. Salty minerals saturate towards the end. The finish is long with tannins reminiscent of black tea that captivate the senses as mint and cedar nuances slowly fade. The 2021 will require patience, and lots of it." Vinous

Medium-deep straw yellow colour with a fresh sheen. Fragrant, lively bouquet of lime, orange oil, stone and tropical fruits and sweet spices. The palate is lively and light, with a fine salty component that gives this fresh, delicious white wine its unmistakable character and lovely flow. The animating finish is very Mediterranean with a creamy hint of exoticism, combined with a good acid wire. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is grassy and citrusy, with aromas of thyme, oregano and grapefruit, while the palate is more savory, with notes of tea leaves and wet coins, along with a more nuanced grapefruit element that oscillates between sweet and salty. A lively, fresh wine." Wine Enthusiast

Buonsenso (common sense) is already visually impressive with its bright straw yellow colour. Attractive bouquet of wild flowers, mint, peach and green melon. The palate is refreshed by a great acid wire, rounded off by citrus and peach notes with a subtle hint of saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Catarratto Buonsenso is dusty and floral, but also a little shy, with notes of yellow apple and white flowers contrasted by a pinch of ground ginger. It opens with a touch of zesty acidity that enlivens the tart orchard fruits, while the savoury minerals saturate towards the finish. The 2023 tapers off with medium length and a youthful tension, while a hint of sour lime pinches the cheeks. This is a wonderfully balanced Catarratto." Vinous

"A vivid, juicy and driven catarratto with aromas of sliced apples, pineapple and exotic spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Textured and focused with a flavorful finish full of verve." James Suckling

Ruby red colour, appealing, slightly reductive aroma of ripe blackberries and elderberries, quite dense on the palate, certain fruit sweetness, good harmony between juicy acidity and velvety tannins, elegant finish with traces of cassis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully fresh and perfumed, the 2021 Nero d'Avola Lamùri entices with a gorgeous blend of crushed blackberries, white pepper, violet florals and hints of wet stone. This is wonderfully fresh and energetic, with crunchy red and blue fruits elevated by juicy acidity as an air of sweet spice and lavender forms toward the close. It finishes with remarkable length and a zesty tension, leaving a licorice tone in its wake. This is a total pleasure to taste." Vinous

Dry Zibibbo (Muscat from Alexandria) from the island of Pantelleria, grown at an altitude of around 300 metres in ferrous soils of volcanic origin. Isesi is delicately floral and smells of honeysuckle and perfumed star jasmine, which is appropriately called Sicilian jasmine in Italy. The flavour is dry and balanced, with just the right softness, freshness and lightness to make this high-quality white wine so incredibly charming and delicate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant golden yellow with silver-coloured nuances. Distinctly fruity, fragrant bouquet of elderberry and lots of ripe tropical fruit. Tart and fruity on the palate, compact with lively acidity and a pleasantly salty finish." Falstaff

"A juicy and fragrant white with fresh lemons, savory herbs and hints of citrus leaves and flowers. Medium-bodied with clean acidity. Polished and smooth with a flavorful finish." James Suckling

Nocera - this noble vine is only grown on a few hectares in the province of Messina, on a spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea. Bright garnet red in colour, with an original aroma of white pepper, cherries, geranium and summer fruits. The typical fresh, fruity flavour of this old Sicilian grape is convincing. A fine salty vein in the spicy final. An unforgettable experience from Planeta's Capo Milazzo branch on the coast north of Mount Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed nose of blackberries, redcurrants, potpourri and grapefruit. Juicy and firm, with a medium body and a medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The 2023 Nocera is very aromatic, blending crushed rocks and exotic spices with black raspberries and tart red and black fruits swirling around a core of savoury minerals, while purple flowers resonate within. The 2023 tapers off grippy, long and remarkably fresh. A hint of tart blackberry concentration lingers to the finish." Vinous

The pure Chardonnay La Fuga presents an impressive aroma and taste profile. On the nose, allusions to exotic fruits - pineapple, apples and bananas - on an elegant framework of mineral imprint. Great the format of the finely balanced taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"White peaches, sliced apples, fresh flowers and wet stones on the nose. Juicy and delicious with a medium body and crunchy stone fruit character. Tangy on the finish." James Suckling

Leone Blend from Tenuta Regaleali, a zesty Sicilian white cuvée made predominantly from Catarratto, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon, shows beautiful fruit and fresh almond notes as well as a crisp, extremely clean flavour with an enjoyable length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale straw yellow with a silver-green tinge. Discreetly fragrant nose of ripe stone fruit with a hint of nutmeg. Soft and supple on the palate, slightly spicy notes, juicy fruit with a medium length and a juicy finish." Falstaff

"A flavorful, lively and driven white. On the nose it shows aromas of dried pears, spiced apples and dried herbs. It’s medium-bodied, well rounded and focused. Textured, with energy and balance." James Suckling

Zisola, from the Mazzei family winery of the same name in Sicily, is an exceptionally good single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegant, bright ruby red in colour with a delicately brightening rim. Ripe wild berries and rose hips on the flattering fruity bouquet, slightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with savoury red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a brightening rim. Intense nose of juicy black cherry, plum, undergrowth, followed by Mediterranean herbs and cold smoke. Fresh attack with crisp fruit on tightly woven tannins, persistent." Falstaff

"The 2022 Zisola wafts up with a pretty blend of dusty rose, clove and wild strawberry. This is juicy and lifted in style, with pure wild berry fruits and a gentle tinge of blood orange toward the close. It finishes with admirable length and youthful tension, leaving behind grippy tannins that frame the experience nicely without slowing its momentum." Vinous

A wonderful introduction to the world of Gulfi: precise flavours of red sour cherries, stone minerals and aromatic herbs. Fresh and juicy, with a delicate savoury note and a refreshing aftertaste on the long finish. A charming, almost weightless red wine with a convincing fruit component and a marvellous drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

Vibrant, radiant colour, rich in green-golden reflections. The rich fragrance of this Moscato d'Allessandria (Zibibbo) is floral of white roses and acacia, followed by mineral notes, peach and orange blossom, to finish with candied citrus fruits and a hint of honey. On the palate, the olfactory impressions of mineral origin and the fresh structure are confirmed, savoury and enveloping. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. The nose is characterised by lychee, peach and elderflower. Lots of fruity sweetness on the palate, fresh, invigorating and very juicy, with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Lighea is a beautiful and refined dry Zibibbo. It exudes an exotic bouquet that blends tropical citrus and melon with minty herbs and candied lime. On the inside, it is soothingly round and perfumed, with a wave of ripe citrus and cooling acidity, maintaining its fantastic energy throughout. The 2023 tapers off with medium length and a savoury note that lingers with a hint of kiwi." Vinous