Wines from Sicily

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

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

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Cerasuolo di Vittoria made from equal parts Frappato and Nero d'Avola. On the nose, it displays a pure bouquet of sweet violets, black cherries and hints of wet stone. It impresses with its silky texture, enveloping the palate with bright red and blue fruits, along with a refreshing wave of juicy acidity. Hints of spiced orange and inner flowers linger long into the well-structured, long final. Perfect at the table. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, brambly nose with hibiscus and geraniums. Crunchy and elegant on the palate with a medium body and some firm tannins that carry the red cherries and raspberries. Fresh and expressive." James Suckling

Nero di Lupo is - in contrast to many other single-varietal Nero d'Avola - a fresh and rather light wine, but no less interesting. Intense aroma of sour cherries and herbs, the bright, friendly taste is exceedingly fruity, lively and silky. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Nero di Lupo impresses with its savory blend of grilled sage, flinty crushed rocks and citrus-tinged red currants. It’s round in feel with lively acids to balance, as sour cherry mixed with hints of tangerine gives way to saline-mineral tones toward the close. A bitter trace and nuances of plum skins linger through the long and spicy finale. The Nero di Lupo is a zesty, varietal Nero d'Avola that will excel at the dinner table." Vinous

Amber golden yellow. Fresh, sweet nose of apricots, candied fruits and dried sultanas. Fine honey flavour on the palate, notes of dried fruit and braised pear. Long and with a fine acid wire that never makes this famous dessert wine from the island of Pantelleria seem sticky or broad. SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied oranges, lemon cordial, quince and stem ginger on the nose. Honeyed and sweet, full of candied fruit and gingerbread notes on a luscious finish." James Suckling

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cool nose with Burgundian finesse and pressure, fine reduction, mineral notes, salted lemon, light flowers, pear. Extremely fresh and gripping on the palate, elegant and spicy, with yellow-coloured spice, saline minerality and powerful, elegant freshness." Weinwisser

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"This lively white wine offers a nice counterbalance to the creamy texture with aromatic accents of dried mint and grapefruit peel to the flavours of apricot, chopped almonds and poached pear. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is remarkably fresh and exudes an herb-accentuated bouquet, in which wet stone and a hint of smoke mingle with crushed almonds and pears. The palate is washed by a mineral wave of ripe fruit, accompanied by a hint of sour lime. The finish is crisp, refreshing and long, with a hint of delicious acidity that calls the drinker back to the glass." Vinous

"The nose is characterised by light, floral aromas of yellow apples, pears, lemons and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is characterised by citrus fruits, with tree fruits not neglected, before a slightly nutty, salty finish supported by a gentle acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

A fine Sicilian cuvée made predominantly from Ansonica grapes, with a radiant bouquet of tropical fruits and a delicate hint of honey. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with beautiful extract sweetness, shows freshness and has a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Floramundi surprises with a radiant cherry red colour. Fine nose of red fruits, white pepper, violets and other flowers. Very aromatic on the palate, tantalising and with soft tannins. A fresh, cheerful red with a savoury spiciness and an animating, salty final. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant dark orange colour. Subtle aromas and flavours of red cherry and pink flowers, clean and fresh on the palate, very aromatic and balanced taste with a slightly salty-spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The pretty bronze color with orange-peel and lemon aromas follows through to a medium body with creamy texture and a peach and apple aftertaste." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and fragrant of violets and rose petals. Fresh, aromatic berry fruit on the palate, very supple tannins, with a lot of fruit and grace on the finish. Very racy and cheerful at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato Vittoria Bell'Assai wafts up with purity, displaying an array of violets, lavender, crushed blackberries and a complicating whiff of dusty earth. Round and juicy in style, it possesses cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 finishes wickedly fresh and with medium length, leaving a pleasantly crunchy, mouthwatering sensation behind on the close. The Bell'Assai would make an excellent pairing for a wide variety of cuisine." Vinous

"Candied cherries and flowers with some dried orange follow through to a medium body, with watermelon and citrus undertones." James Suckling

"The warm, floral nose shows delicate notes of roses and cherry blossom, but also tantalisingly sweet aromas of strawberries and cream. On the palate, a bitter note is emphasised by a latent earthiness, while the acidity plays around polished, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Rich ruby colour. Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper as well as an earthy undertone. Clear flavour with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, beautiful spice, including star anise, very rounded. Finishes with plenty of freshness, elegance and a hint of lemon zest. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and easygoing red with berries, sweet spices and wet bark on the nose. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Refreshing and crunchy with a soft finish." James Suckling

"An elegant red that effortlessly integrates its range of flavors - including baked raspberry and plumped cherry, a fragrant hint of cured tobacco, notes of red licorice and minerally accents of iron and stone - with the tang of orange peel acidity and fine-grained tannins that trim the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Mamertino blends plum sauce with grilled herbs, sweet violets and lavender. It's silky-smooth, with a core of wild berries and plums energized by a wave of cooling acidity. It finishes with a tug of fine tannins and salty mineral tones that penetrate deeply as hints of tart cherry and bitter clove fade." Vinous

Alta Mora Rosso is a blend of fruit from the Verzella, Solicchiata, Feudo di Mezzo and Guardiola vineyards, which lie between 650 and 900 metres above sea level. Light, bright garnet in colour, very clear bouquet with pronounced fresh fruit notes of berries and rhubarb, elegant on the palate with well-balanced power and supple tannins; juicy, persistent and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Open, delicate bouquet of redcurrant jelly, raspberry, followed by some sweet mocha and cocoa. Round and supple on the palate, unfolds with fine-meshed tannins, juicy and stimulating to drink. Long, pleasantly acidic final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Etna Rosso is very beautiful, with a fresh blend of dried roses, black cherries and cloves. It is round and soothing in nature, with lifted textures and crisp wild berry fruit. The 2021 finishes with a nice tension and ends with lingering notes of dried strawberries and citrus." Vinous

"A bright, fresh red with attractive lemongrass and berry character on the nose following through to a medium body nicely integrated with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Firm and racy." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby. Powerful nose of plums, red berries, black cherry and eucalyptus. Warm, persistent and balsamic aftertaste of plums, red berries and a fine rosemary note. The finish is long and complex. SUPERIORE.DE

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione is seductively fresh and displays an herbaceous bouquet of lime, peach and mint. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a burst of zesty acidity enlivens the tart orchard fruit. The 2022 rejuvenates crisply, with a hint of salinity and an inner smoky sensation." Vinous

"The nose is light, fresh and gentle, with coherent but compelling aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white flowers. The palate is lemon-driven, but a hint of salt brings out a honey-nut element and a lingering apple note." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, fragrant, mineral white wine with delicate notes of broom and pine. With flavours of nectarine, persimmon, blanched almonds and ground ginger, it shows good linear power, yet is harmonious and approachable, unfolding on the palate through the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A multifaceted, polished white Etna showing restrained citrus notes, stony minerality, green apples, apricots and almonds. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with a silky texture, this has crisp, long, vibrant acidity and a citrusy floral aftertaste." James Suckling

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli is named after the Dorilla vineyard from which the grapes come, which in turn is named after the nearby Dirillo river. Fine and elegant with light wood tones from the ageing process, juicy and fresh until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a delicious, balanced and focused cerasuolo with aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and mild spices following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Refined, with brightness at the center and a refreshing, pulpy finish." James Suckling

Valcanzjria is a cuvée of Chardonnay, Carricante and Albanello. Fragrant with a fine fresh-oxidative note of white flowers and limes, full-bodied and yet fresh on the palate. The attentive taster finds the terroir-typical traces of flint and looks forward to further promising bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

Tefra (Greek word for ash) is a 100% Nerello Mascalese and comes from a parcel in the Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Etna between the municipalities of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. Bright pink colour. Delicate and very clear nose of raspberries and wild strawberries, oranges and herbs. Fresh, juicy and vibrant in the mouth, very tasty racy acidity, finishes with good cool length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rosato Etna Tefra is remarkably beautiful with its platinum pink colour. It offers a perfumed, floral bouquet. The palate is energetic, with tangy acidity and mineral tones, while crisp fruit flows through the nose. The finish is of medium length. A young strawberry and salty note slowly fade away." Vinous

"Notes of ripe nectarines and pink cherries with dried flowers and citrus peel leading to a medium body with juicy acidity. Crisp and easy to drink." James Suckling

"The pale pink of the glass belies the intense aromatics and rich mouthfeel of this rosé. Wild strawberries and peach candy on the nose give way to more berries and stone fruit on the palate, with a bit of blood orange and lime and a lick of quartz on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

It is very rare and highly commendable that a pure Nerello Cappuccio is bottled here, when the Nerello Mascalese is usually the red top dog on Etna. Bright garnet-red, youthfully fresh wine with a bouquet of strawberry and citrus fruit, plus stony-mineral tones, flowers and spices. Subtle elegance on the palate with a pleasant fresh breeze. SUPERIORE.DE

Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon - the creative and successful experiment by Count Tasca d'Almerita. Cygnus is a young, enchanting wine that smells of blackberries, cherries, vanilla and tobacco and has a wonderfully smooth, grapey-sweet flavour and a fine spiciness. SUPERIORE.DE

The pure Nero d'Avola is bursting with dark aromas of berries, black cherry, liquorice and tobacco. Lush and distinctive on the palate with wonderful spicy notes of mint, aniseed and espresso. Juicy tannins, good length, fine pressure. A really great wine of impressive intensity at a still very reasonable price, incidentally certified organic since the 2020 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Fine spicy notes on the nose, ripe plum and forest floor. Balanced on the palate with a fine tannin structure, fresh and fruity core, medium length." Falstaff

"The Saia 2021 exudes a captivating blend of crushed violets, lavender, blackberries and wet stones. A powerful core of ripe red and blue fruits forms the framework, while a juicy acidity provides freshness. A pleasantly bitter hint of tangerine develops towards the end. The 2021 is spotty and long, finishing with a layer of fine tannins and a saturation of primary concentration that creates a slight chewy sensation towards the end. This is a fantastic and energetic interpretation of Saia, a Nero d'Avola grape variety that I suspect will age very well." Vinous

"Lots of blackberries, mushrooms, bark and a hint of pumice. A hint of smoke. Mussel shells. Blue fruits. Medium-bodied with fine and silky tannins that add tension and focus. Black fruits on the finish with a hint of orange peel. Crisp and fruity with structure." James Suckling

Rami is an attractive and at the same time very individual blend of Grecanico and Inzolia. Bright golden yellow with a light, typical cloudiness of an orange wine and with an initially restrained-reductive bouquet, then with some aeration it smells sweetly of apricots, dried flowers and orange peel. This intellectual white needs time and a certain experience with natural wines - with the necessary portion of oxygen it is highly appetising and elegant on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rami, a blend of Inzolia and Grecanico, seduces with dusty flowers and subtle citrus tones that slowly fade into gingery apples. The palate is soft and supple, with a tasty blend of exotic spices and chalky fruit. Lively acidity provides a nice inner freshness, while the 2022 finishes perfumed and lightly textured. A hint of apple berry lingers." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of candied orange, peach skin, dried flowers, pie crust and honey. Medium-bodied, juicy and structured with lively acidity. A little phenolic on the finish with a zesty character." James Suckling

Fresh rosato with a flavour of dark berries and a hint of lavender. Clear fruit on the palate, with elegant suppleness, a fine mineral note and, last but not least, an appealing palatability. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Etna Rosato smells of wild strawberries, dusty rose and crushed stone. Round and juicy in character, it presents ripe stone fruit, green melon and a hint of candied citrus. The 2023 leaves a crisp and refreshed palate and finishes with medium length and a hint of minerality." Vinous

"Very perfumed with sliced apples, peaches and hints of citrus. Medium-bodied, this has bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. Vibrant." James Suckling