Wines from Sicily

Fresh, bright ruby colour. The Syrah impresses with its intense and ripe bouquet with hints of figs, redcurrants, preserved cherries, blueberries, spices and vanilla. Velvety, elegant tannins accompany the opulent and lively structure through to the lingering final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Maroccoli, is dark and floral. In the glass, it reveals a smoky mix of grilled herbs, dried violets and crushed blackberries. It is wonderfully fresh and light, with bright wild berries and a juicy acidity that retains a fantastic energy. It finishes with a pleasantly bitter feel that tapers off with medium length and a spicy hint." Vinous

"This is rich, mellow and nicely filled with fruit, offering dark cherries, plums, mild spices and hints of cedar and nutmeg on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety, rather supple tannins and impressive volume and length. A smooth and fruity aftertaste." James Suckling

Deep ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Dense and intense aroma of red fruits with notes of leather, earth, spices and minerals, with a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. Full-bodied on the palate, well-defined tannins supported by a dense structure, leading to a long-lasting and very smooth final. A Bordeaux blend in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Burdese is a straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) that doesn't impose. The wine is soft on the palate with medium-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plum, soft earth and leather. The tannins are immediate and soft." Wine Advocate

"This Bordeaux blend shows berries, fresh herbs such as parsley and a hint of vanilla. It has a medium to full body with medium round tannins and a juicy finish. Very enjoyable now, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Dusty dried flowers, crushed rock, graphite and red plums form a dark, seductive bouquet when the 2018 Burdese reveals itself in the glass. The palate is lapped by soft textures contrasted by a core of tart wild berries. Mineral tones slowly saturate. A web of fine tannins lends it youthful composure, nicely balanced by a hint of sour citrus, while the 2018 tapers off for a long time and yet displays wonderful balance." Vinous

"The nose is dark and rich, yet also layered and subtle, with both heavy aromas of petrol and tar and juicier notes of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate. The figs and chocolate carry the palate, though wild herbs and bitter orange give buoyancy. Tannins are unyielding, while acid is more discreet but still perceptible." Wine Enthusiast

A modern, single-varietal Chardonnay that does not deny its terroir with an almost Burgundian style. Elegant, complex and full of character, the aromatically fragrant Jalé has a balanced, long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, clear golden yellow colour. On the nose, clearly roasted hazelnuts, apricot jam, a little nut butter, followed by pineapple yoghurt and a little banana. The palate opens juicy with dancing acidity, some citrus. Salty, medium-long final. Good with grilled fish!" Falstaff

"The 2022 Jalè is a single varietal Chardonnay with a blend of vanilla custard, sweet spices and yellow apples. It feels silky, almost creamy, with a balance of mineral fruit and a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 is long and powerful, but also remarkably fresh. Lime zest and tart notes of green apples round off the finish." Vinous

The grapes for this single-varietal Grillo in a class of its own come from the region around Marsala. Bright yellow. Strong citrus notes in the complex bouquet. The finish surprises with a mineral note and lively freshness. Favourite wine! SUPERIORE.DE

Delicate, elegant Nerello Mascalese with fine aromas of red fruits and raspberries, enveloped in a pleasant citrus freshness. As the wine progresses, it develops a smoky note associated with the strong component of lava rock that characterises the volcanic soil of Etna. Lively, harmonious and full of flavour on the palate, it is a resolutely versatile wine that goes perfectly with a wide range of fish dishes, shellfish and white meats. SUPERIORE.DE

"Animavulcano offers a fragrant sip of dark cherry and raspberry. It's quite dense (courtesy of the vintage), with good acidity supporting the weight of fruit, accompanied by some spice and textural interest. Blood orange and bitter herbs emerge on the intense and very slightly drying finish." Decanter

"A rich and layered red Etna with sliced dried strawberries, plums, bark, dark mushrooms and some volcanic spice. It is medium to full-bodied with round, chewy tannins and a savoury finish. From organically grown grapes. Give it three or four years to mellow." James Suckling

Intense and enveloping aromas of blackberry, dark fruit and cocoa. Memorable, full-bodied fruit and firm tannins on the palate, which give this Merlot its unique elegance. Pleasantly round, long and with traces of mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose starts sweet and wild with aromas of blueberries, raspberries and a hint of vanilla, before spicy notes of leather, herbs and pepper make themselves known. On the palate, flavours of cherry, vanilla and milk chocolate support the berry element before a lingering, herbaceous and stony finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Sito dell'Ulmo is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a blend of wild blueberries, sage, dusty dried violets and hints of tobacco. It's round and supple, possessing cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade across the palate as rosy inner florals form toward the close. The 2019 tapers off gently tannic yet wildly fresh, finishing with notes of lavender and crushed blackberry. Stunning." Vinous

The name of this fresh and aromatic Malvasia is dedicated to the former owner Paola Lantieri, who cultivated the 4.5 hectare vineyard with great dedication. The vines grow on mineral soils of ash, fine brown sand, pumice and silicate.

A fresh bouquet of spicy yellow flowers, lime zest, nectarines and crushed stones. On the palate, we find an attractive bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, tropical citrus fruits and a cooling minerality. The long and very delicious final is accompanied by kiwi and sage - very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"White stone fruit, citrus fruit, fresh sage and chalky earth on offer. Fresh and crisp on the palate with juicy acidity and a chalky mineral backbone. Medium-bodied with a refreshing finish." James Suckling

"Tasca's Tenuta Capofaro is situated on the Aeolian Islands off the northeast tip of Sicily. Here, on the island of Vulcano, Malvasia is grown on its loose, sandy volcanic soils. Very soft with good saline, its peachy aroma with green fruit hints is reflected in the mouth, with a pithy character and a long, fresh and juicy finish." Decanter

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted bouquet with delicate oxidation, lilac, juniper and tobacco. Earthy and mineral on the palate with fine tannins and spicy notes." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright garnet red with a brightening rim. Fine aromas of strawberries and raspberries and a hint of cherry syrup on the nose. Crisp, fresh and juicy on the palate with a fruity finish and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"It impresses with its ripe core of black cherry and plum and offers pretty accents of violets, aniseed and dried herbs. This red wine is light-footed, with taut tannins that round off the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A soft and open red with plum and spice character as well as floral undertones. Some fresh herbs too. Medium body. Lightly chewy." James Suckling

"Hints of sweet spice and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries and cloves as the 2021 Etna Rosso Sul Vulcano blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it displays a texture of pure silk with ripe red fruits accompanied by lively acidity, while floral notes unfold on the inside. Fine tannins and a primary concentration saturate towards the end, while the 2021 finishes long. Traces of liquorice fade towards the end. This is a fantastic offering, especially at this price point." Vinous

A modern, single-varietal Chardonnay that does not deny its terroir with an almost Burgundian style. Elegant, complex and full of character, the aromatically fragrant Jalé has a balanced, long flavour and a subtle citrus note that lends it freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

Occhipintis Bianco has been one of Sicily's craziest and at the same time most independent white wines for years. Made from equal parts Moscato and Albanello, it exudes the scent of peaches and flowers, with a subtle smoky note on the nose. Delicately bitter on the palate, yet bone-dry and with wonderfully fruity hints of lychee, lime and apricot. With half an hour of aeration and at a moderate 12°C drinking temperature, you will be completely mesmerised by the sophistication and drinkability of this exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Bianco SP68 is distinctly savory, as wild herbs and wet concrete give way to crushed nectarines. This is soothingly round and supple with a spicy tinge of ginger up front, leading to tart orchard fruits and a cascade of salty minerals. The 2023 finishes vividly fresh yet still potent, leaving hints of green melon and lime zest that linger on and on. Allow the Bianco SP68 some time to open in the bottle to express its aromatics properly." Vinous

Maldafrica denotes an "inner longing for a distant land" and is not love at first sight, but it is one of the most interesting wines of Sicily. It is very subtle and nuanced at first and it opens up gradually on its own timetable, but then: spontaneously fermented in amphorae, Maldafrica overwhelms the senses with dark fruits, spices, chopped herbs, salty notes, sulphur, leather and damp tobacco. Its mouthfeel is over a minute long and its acidity provides the perfect amount of astringency to refresh the senses for all its opulence. A quiet monument that sets standards throughout the wine region and leaves a lasting impression for all its longing. SUPERIORE.DE

The SP68 cuvée of Frappato and Nero d'Avola is wonderfully fresh, dynamic, individual and modern. Generous flavours, solidly structured and equipped with mild tannins and fine spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosso SP68 is pretty and perfumed, with a blend of crushed roses and violets accentuating blackberries, white smoke and wet stones. It washes across the palate with a liquid floral concentration and tart wild berry fruits, all guided by a core of brisk acidity. The 2023 leaves the mouth salivating as a tart cranberry crunchiness resonates and hints of blood orange slowly fade." Vinous

Sparkling ruby red colour, intense and appealing mineral aroma of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. Elegant tannins and a delicious fruity flavour on the juicy palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso smells of pink flowers and a hint of juniper berries. It is vividly fruit-driven, with a wave of ripe wild berries and sweet spices flowing over a stream of vibrant acidity. It leaves a hint of primary concentration and slightly grippy tannins that linger as the purple flowers inside slowly fade. Although more extroverted than expected, the 2022 is an absolute pleasure and has fantastic balance." Vinous

Light yellow with green reflections. Strong aroma with grapefruit, peach and some lime. Good balance of pineapple, apple and tropical fruits on the palate. A very complex yet fresh white from the house of Rallo, which rightly ranks among the best whites in Sicily every year. Good storage and ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Delicate light pink. Fine berry scent with hints of gravel and tuff. Delicate floral aroma, light plum and pink grapefruit. In the fresh finish some flint and mineral notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Radiant salmon pink. Slightly reductive on the nose at first, then nuances of sweet cherry and white peach. On the palate full-bodied, with a slight tannic rip, fresh and juicy, fun." Falstaff

"Attractive rosé with pink nectarines, dried flowers and crushed stones on the nose. Medium-bodied, dry and crisp with chalky texture and tangy zestiness at the end. Fresh and crunchy." James Suckling

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional wine full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives in exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is only ever released for sale two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow colour. Flint, graphite, fresh green apple, sage, lavender on the nose, emphasised mineral components in the background. Full-bodied on the palate, white honey, orange, white flowers, mineral and salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Carricante Eruzione 1614 rises from the glass with a burst of crushed stones, sage and dried apricots. It exudes a savoury tension as crunchy fruit piles up in cascades, enhanced by a hint of sour citrus. The finish is long and colourful, yet incredibly fresh, leaving a salty sensation that leaves the mouth wanting more." Vinous

"A well-rounded, balanced and seductive Carricante. Fresh lemons, mild spices and some dried apples on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with a fresh lemon character. Juicy and refreshing with a delicious, flavourful finish." James Suckling

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of the most exciting grape varieties in southern Italy, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at an altitude of 700-750 metres. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before maturing partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then a further nine months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and notes of wild herbs and citrus. On the palate, it is full, fresh and flavoursome and finishes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose reveals chiselled notes of pink grapefruit, herbs and citrus blossom. In the mouth, it is tightly woven, with a very fine woody touch, melting contours, mineral and salty." Weinwisser

"Straw yellow in colour. Attractive nose of fresh lemon peel, but still somewhat restrained. Mineral lemon fruit with salty hints on the finish. Can mature." Jancis Robinson

"A well-dried white wine with lush vanilla, baking spice and lime blossom accents to the flavours of glazed apple and tangerine fruit. The mouthwatering acidity is well integrated, providing definition and carrying the rich flavours through the lingering, slightly salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano 2021 is intense, with a blend of flint, sweet mint, apricot and a hint of sage. It is soft and round, with a lively acidity and mineral fruit that pours over the palate and takes on a hint of sour citrus towards the end. The Sul Vulcano is a fantastic option for an entry-level Etna Bianco, and having tasted the 2016 in parallel, I can confirm that it will age beautifully." Vinous

"Juicy fruit character, delicate white flowers, ripe melon and pineapple, elegant and mineral with generous fruit." Decanter

"A gourmet wine with structure. Intense and smoky, this shows jasmine, green apples and yellow peaches. The palate is vibrant, electric and fresh with an almost tannic texture. Zesty and mineral, it’s just a bit leaner on the finish." James Suckling

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"Impressive aromas of mulberries and flowers; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, balanced and elegant through to the final, red berry flavours, soft, honey notes and yet the acidity is in balance. A lovely accompaniment to food." Vinum

"Burgundy-inspired bouquet with red berries, light strawberries, red cherries and balsamic notes, sage. Well-structured on the palate with gripping red berry fruit, sandy tannins and a savoury, peppery acidity structure that lingers into the final." Weinwisser

"It shows aromas of ripe cherries and grilled plums, with fragrant flavours of cigar box spices, broom and wild rosemary that linger on the fine, taut finish." Wine Spectator

"Cherries and cranberries with some candied watermelon both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body, creamy tannins and a tangy finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 opens in a medium dark ruby red colour with lively primary fruit. Wild berries and cassis are underpinned by gently rendered oak tones of cinnamon and campfire ash. Although technically outside the DOC area (just a few metres), this is one of the finest sites on Etna. The tannins are firm but silky, which means you can drink this bottle straight away without ageing." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 is decidedly savoury, exuding hints of grilled rosemary and sage, ashen stones and crushed blackberries. On the palate, it is characterised by juicy forest fruits, underscored by a hint of blood orange and zesty acidity. It tapers off long and gently tannic, closing on a pleasantly bitter note as the minty herbal tones fade. Wow." Vinous

"The nose begins spicy and herbaceous with notes of stone, salt, pepper, oregano and fennel before lighter flavours of cherry blossom, hibiscus and strawberry emerge. On the palate, the cherry and strawberry flavours sparkle, while a lingering, salty stoniness balances a silky smooth texture with an intense, salty freshness." Wine Enthusiast

Copper-coloured with light brown reflections. Floral-sweet and complex on the nose. On the palate, its typical Moscato aromas are carried by honey, dried fruit, caramel and a hint of musk. Creamy and dense on the palate with a well-dosed acidity that gives it a lot of freshness, the overall impression for us is that Aestas Passito is a dessert wine that is hard to beat in terms of excitement and specialness and where you can feel with every sip the dedication and certain wine craziness with which it was created. SUPERIORE.DE

"Only the best grapes." adorns the label. Expressive, intense white wine made from the indigenous Grillo grape, which began its quiet and steep career as the exclusive house wine of the Moretti family and is still only available in small quantities today. Strong, bright straw yellow colour. An expansive bouquet of exotic fruits, flowers and flint, fruity and soft with a fresh, mineral note in the long and energetic final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium shiny straw yellow with silver-coloured reflections. Intense aroma of ripe peach, mango and candied citrus fruit on the nose, spicy with a hint of vanilla pod. Juicy and tense on the palate, very balanced and with a slightly noticeable use of wood, final with a citrus flavour." Falstaff

"Fresh aromas of honeysuckle, lemon rind, sea salt and green melon. Medium-bodied, crisp and focused, with notes of apples, honey and minerals. Focused and creamy texture." James Suckling

Etna Rosato from Pietradolce not only attracts attention with its delicate, shiny colour. The delicate bouquet of roses is beguiling and the precise flavour convinces with lively aromas of peach, cranberry and grapefruit. Elegant mineral tones accompany the fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling copper red colour. Distinct bouquet of candied apricots, orange peel with light herbal spice. Smooth on entry, unbelievably soft and elegant on the palate, with a long finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Etna Rosato is delicate, with a nuanced blend of white strawberry, wet stone and a hint of peach sorbet. It balances a zesty core of juicy acidity and sour lime with ripe orchard fruit. The finish is remarkably fresh and clean, with a hint of minerality that leaves you wanting more." Vinous

"A smoky, peatlike style here with red plums and whiffs of flowers. Light-bodied, this has moderate acidity and a refreshing finish, silky and polished to the end. Simple but nice." James Suckling

Giuseppe Russo produces just 5,000 bottles of this extremely elegant rosato every year. Fine, complex aromas of red fruit and mineral stone on the youthfully fresh nose. The energetic and very precise impressions on the palate correspond beautifully with the flavour. Delicate melting, fine minerality, harmonious and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet roses, stone dust and orange sherbet make the 2022 Etna Rosato a real delight on the nose. Soothingly round and with a pleasant inner sweetness, it flows across the palate with crisp, mineral-tinged orchard fruits punctuated by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes intensely mineral and leaves a pleasant mouthfeel as the notes of sour melon gradually fade away." Vinous

"Hints of white peach and green and red fruit aromas accompany some spice and minerals in the mouth, with a touch of creaminess in the background. Fresh, succulent strawberry and raspberry flavours linger on a saline finish." Decanter

"The Etna Rosato 2022 has a floral bouquet with wild flowers, peach blossom and a hint of zagara, the Sicilian lemon blossom. It offers subtle support in the background thanks to a particularly fine and crisp mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows subtle notes of pink cherry, peach skin, dried orange peel and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, delicate and supple, with freshness and crisp acidity. Delicious with a structured, polished finish." James Suckling