Wines from Sicily

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet and world-famous white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and freshly processed. The hand-picked raisined berries are added to the must in several stages during fermentation. Light orange yellow in colour. Overwhelming aromas of apricot, peach and orange peel. Creamy notes of passion fruit and peach on the palate with an impressive elegance and length. For us, one of the best sweet wines in Italy every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"An icon of sweet Sicily: notes of honey, figs, mint and orange zest; perfectly balanced in the mouth, pleasantly salty with a long bitter-honey finish." Vinum

"Bright amber with copper-coloured reflections. Distinct aroma of dried apricots and figs, stewed peaches, acacia honey, orange blossom and some ginger on the nose, very complex. Very balanced and round on the palate with a great balance of freshness and sweetness, the tannins are well integrated, ending with a long finish of dried fruit." Falstaff

"A beautiful sweet with a fragrant orange blossom nose, with a tantalising array of glazed mandarin, apricot, dried mint and candied ginger, as well as rich hints of graham cracker, vanilla and white chocolate. Long and slightly mouth-coating, with tangy blood orange peel acidity accentuating the juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Burnt blood orange, autumnal spices, candied ginger, dried nectarines and a hint of mint form a kaleidoscopic bouquet as the 2022 Ben Ryé blossoms in the glass. It feels heavy and velvety, yet remarkably fresh, flooding the palate with an abundance of tropical citrus, mango and papaya supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and concentration. The finish of peach nectar and savoury spices is long lasting. The 2022 is sure to join the ranks of Ben Ryé's best vintages." Vinous

"Gorgeous flavours of sun-ripened peach, bitter orange peel and dried figs, infused with luxurious flowers that shine through the supple texture and wonderful caress of refreshing acidity. Very engaging and rich, with an unbroken length." Decanter

Chiarandà is a graceful and elegant Chardonnay. It combines potency and gentle accessibility. Aroma of white pear, banana, vanilla and white chocolate. Powerful, multi-layered and slightly buttery spice, then perfect balance on the palate with a fine vein of salt. A creamy, powerful white with a great finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sagana, an impressively varietal and at the same time very fresh Nero d'Avola of dark colour, intensely scented of sour cherries, undergrowth, iodine and graphite. Very powerful and full-bodied on the palate, velvety tannins and a long, slightly nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the nose rich chocolate notes, ripe cassis, Amarena cherries and slightly vegetal. Gripping and powerful on the palate, spreads out widely, opens up on pithy wide-meshed tannin, hearty on the final." Falstaff

"A deep coloured, purple Nero d'Avola with medium to full body and aromas of soaked blackberries, iron, eucalyptus and violets. Fresh and concentrated, with creamy tannins that show through on the slightly spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, stones and fresh mushrooms transition to a medium body with firm tannins and a fresh, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sàgana is intense, dark and earthy in nature, with hints of smoke and camphor that bring out blackcurrant, tobacco and ash. It has a deep texture, feels almost creamy and is very tasty, with plum sauce, sage and a core of salty minerality that gives it gravitas. A layer of fine tannins finishes the wine with an echo of black fruit and a bitter aftertaste. Sàgana is a serious Nero d'Avola that needs a year or two in the cellar to show its best side." Vinous

"The 2019 Sicilia Sàgana is made from Nero d'Avola from the 12 hectare Vigneto del Torrone Bianco Tenuta San Giacomo and is very rich and concentrated with dark, dark fruit and a full-bodied presentation. The wine is lush, structured and very modern with a good blend of blackberry fruit and oak spice." Wine Advocate

"This Nero d'Avola from a single vineyard of Cusumano's Tenuta San Giacomo estate, located on the limestone cliff of Butera in southern Sicily, is a great wine. It is fresh and has great mid-palate tension combined with structured tannins. Aromatic black cherry aromas and flavours accompany intense dark chocolate, spices and herbs." Decanter

Passobianco is simply marvellous every year. It rises with a sweet burst of white flowers and candied lime, then pulls the taster back to earth with wet stone and savoury herbs. It's smooth and round with pure fruit flavours that make it creamy as it warms on the palate. Finishes with medium length, is crisp and refreshing and leaves a lingering baked apple note. A single-varietal Chardonnay that is expertly balanced and should develop superbly over several years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Slightly smoky nose of honeydew melon, broom blossom and a hint of vanilla. Creamy on the palate with savoury notes, spicy and very persistent." Falstaff

"The 2022 Passobianco wafts up with a pretty and lifted air of wildflowers, chalk dust and a gentle tinge of spice. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruits as traces of salty minerals and a bump of brisk acidity add balance. It tapers off long and potent, with a lingering confectionery note contrasted by a saline tinge. The 2022 shows the dry warmth of the year through its vividly ripe fruit, but it finds balance in the end." Vinous

Unusual, but very interesting - a single-varietal Carricante grappa. Crystal clear, wonderful aroma of grapes, well-structured body and delicate mineral hints. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium expressive on the nose, yet inviting and elegant, dark fruit. Round on the palate with slight sweetness, gentle mouthfeel with good length." Falstaff

Proud single-vineyard Sicilian in a small edition made from 100% Carricante. Fine bouquet of citrus fruits and apricots. Wonderfully juicy fruit on the palate paired with good structure, balanced acidity, fine minerality and appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows beautiful fruit on the nose with young stone fruit, light peach, sage, sweet herbs and mineral notes. In the mouth with a soft, almost silky texture, citrus fruit and herbs, rather round with balanced acidity." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Calderara opens slowly with a nuanced blend of young peaches, grated sage, stone dust and sweet spices, keeping the glass constantly moving. The medium body is silky smooth, revealing mineral fruit lifted by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes long and youthfully tense. A tart finish of lime and savoury herbs rounds off the whole." Vinous

"A delicious Etna Bianco full of succulent and zesty citrus fruits, with a saline core. Notes of orange and lemon peel, apple and white flowers, plus a touch of wood." Decanter

Rosso delle Fontane from the single vineyard of the same name beguiles with its light ruby red colour and subtle scent of dark cherries, followed on the palate by redcurrant, hints of tar, suede and a well-measured amount of Amarena cherry. Salty-mineralic, never-ending finish. Highly elegant in its entirety and packaged with COS's own noble restraint. Burgundian greatness and a beacon of the Vittoria DOC appellation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild herbs and dried strawberries come together with hints of shaved cedar as the 2018 Vittoria Rosso Fontane opens in the glass. Soft and supple, this begins with a burst of zesty acidity and saline minerals that complicate its tart wild berry fruits. It finishes long, staining and with a bitter tinge, leaving a subtle layer of fine tannin to linger." Vinous

"Once part of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation, the 2018 Vittoria Delle Fontane is now a representative of the relatively new Vittoria appellation. This organic blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato shows lovely tertiary definition with spice and toasted anise framing a core of dried cherry and plum. Drinking this wine now, you will notice the beautiful transition from primary fruit to something more complex and ethereal. There is, however, some acidity that reflects the cooler and wetter conditions of the vintage." Wine Advocate

Davide Rosso's Etna Bianco from Contrada Montedolce is an energetic, fresh white that impressively emphasises its volcanic character with its mineral salinity. The bouquet begins elegantly with Sicilian flavours of orange blossom and sweet almonds, then opens up with fresh lemon, crushed apples and a hint of wet stone. Its medium concentration and crisp freshness will serve it well as it continues to develop in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and clean on the nose, dense and broad but with such clarity and juiciness - really lovely pink grapefruit, lemon and apple with crushed stone minerality and a hint of spice around the edges. The wine comes across as approachable and friendly, almost buttery, giving it a slightly thick texture. Round and forward, lots of life in this wine with lovely juicy acidity that really lifts the expression. Great stuff, chilled with seafood!" Decanter

The new red from Zisola is a 100% Syrah in radiant ruby violet. Spicy bouquet with notes of black cherry, cassis, undergrowth and foliage. Juicy, engaging and balsamic on the palate, with prominent tannins and interesting acidity. Subtle hints of cocoa and smoked bacon on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby red. In the nose of lush raspberries and wild berries, delicate plum, minimal pepper spice, a hint of milk chocolate in the aftertaste. On the palate dense and with grip, juicy and clear on the tongue, exciting course, lingers long." Falstaff

"A relatively new wine, the Zisola 2017 Sicilia Achilles is a pure expression of Syrah. This grape normally delivers especially rich and abundant wines from Sicily; however, this bottle holds back a bit in terms of intensity and concentration. The results are solidly mid-weight, and the wine reveals easy perfumes of dark cherry, cassis, spice and earthy leather. This vintage shows extra roundness and a supple quality to the fruit." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Syrah Achilles captivates the senses with a beguiling bouquet that mixes black fruits, smoke and pepper with sweet violet and lavender notes. It’s silky and round in feel, balanced by a concentration of tart wild berries, savory herbs and a bitter touch of mocha toward the close. There’s a combination of decadence and contrasting sour citrus tension here that I find quite pleasurable, as the Achilles finishes lightly structured and persistent under an air of tar and tobacco. Nicely done." Vinous

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese with a bright ruby red colour and fine garnet reflections. Proud and fascinating, it has an intense aroma of red berries, coffee and olives. Its captivating flavour convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Passorosso 2022 is spicy in the glass with an herbal attack that leads into ginger-flavoured dried cherries and dusty sage. It is silky-smooth with ripe red and blue fruits. Lively acidity drives the mouthfeel, while it takes on a salty flavour towards the end. It finishes with excellent length and concentration, leaving a layer of fine tannins and a lingering liquorice aftertaste. This wine is anything but your average Etna Rosso, as almost 50% of the fruit comes from Contrada Guardiola." Vinous

"This 2022 is a true olfactory explosion of violets, lavender, wild herbs and black cherry. Intense, ripe and fleshy flavours of red and black fruits are accompanied by a hint of Parma violets, followed by a balanced finish that is both rich and fresh." Decanter

"Bright and luminous ruby red, with aromas of wild strawberries, almond paste and smoky minerality. It is firm on the palate, with the dusty texture of the Nerello Mascalese grape, but also with a fairly full body. The austerity on the finish is balanced by a crisp acidity." James Suckling

Ruby red colour with violet reflections. Intense, complex bouquet with notes of Mediterranean citrus fruits, followed by aromas of violets, bergamot, wet stone, forest leaves and elegant hints of white pepper. Velvety, harmonious and fresh on the palate with sustained acidity and a clean, spicy and long finish. Highly elegant, very accessible and with a beautiful fruit component. SUPERIORE.DE

The organically grown Etna Rosso Reseca is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese from a 1.5-hectare vineyard located at 800 metres above sea level on the blackened cone of the volcano. The wine offers both power and grace, the two contrasting qualities that characterise the great wines of Etna.

Sweet cherries, dried flowers, liquorice and spices on the nose. The elegant style continues on the palate with silky tannins and restraint in all components. A medium-bodied, prancing red with all the classic, elegant advantages of Etna's volcanic terroir. The fresh fruit should easily carry this wine to the 10-year mark and probably beyond. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Reseca opens with a cascade of rosy florals and a dusting of spice, grounded by hints of wet stone. It possesses a lovely inner sweetness and silky textures as citrus-laced wild berry fruits swirl throughout. Only gently tannic yet incredibly long, the 2019 finishes potent, youthfully grippy and fresh." Vinous

The grapes for this rosé spumante, produced using the classic champagne method, come from selected vineyards around Contessa Entellina. Elegant old rose colour. Strongly personal bouquet of brut crust, pink grapefruit and spices. Fresh, lively and well-structured on the palate. A long, persistent finish with a delicate herbaceous flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

This wine - the name "Effe Emme" stands for the initials of Filippo Mazzei - represents a new chapter for Mazzei's Zisola winery and for all of Sicily. Very few producers on the island make a pure Petit Verdot. The Alberello vines are planted on highly calcareous soils. Effe Emme shows a dark fruit intensity with subtle background notes of chalk and crushed minerals. Powerful and full-bodied on the palate, juicy and firmly structured. Only 4,000 bottles are bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Spicy, dark berry nose with hints of chestnut honey, black tea and some leather. On the palate with elegant, resinous undertones, very polished with lots of juice and slightly salty tannin, spans a great arc, grippy earthy final." Falstaff

"Made with Petit Verdot, the 2019 Sicilia Effe Emme is a very different wine compared to the previous vintage that I tasted at the same time. This expression from 2019 is much richer, with a velvety texture, and it is void of that bitterness we saw in the 2018. Blackcurrant and dried blackberry cede to smoke, tar and exotic spice." Wine Advocate

"Lots of clove and green peppercorn character with blackberries and blackcurrants on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and complex with lots of flavour on the palate and a long, flavourful finish. Shows how well Petit Verdot thrives in Noto." James Suckling

This single-vineyard Carricante comes from the small Montalto vineyard on the southern slope of Etna at an altitude of around 950 metres. It is the most balanced and at the same time most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere in terms of its overall impression and flavour; the whole Etna package is present here in exactly the right dose: Minerality, salinity, fruitiness and a perfect hint of orange peel and flint on the nose. On the palate, it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian dimension, full of finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely dried apple and lemon with some mineral and stone character both on the nose and palate. It also shows some pumice. Medium body. Crisp and multi-layered." James Suckling

"It is soft, fleshy and peachy in flavour, yet with excellent acidity. Notes of stone and pineapple add vibrancy to this delicious, flavoursome white wine with no alcohol content." Decanter

"Spicy and full of tension, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Montalto bursts from the glass with a blend of lemon zest, minty herbs, young peaches and crushed rocks. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness and crisp minerality, rushing the palate with ripe orchard fruits elevated by candied citrus. The Montalto finishes with fantastic length and potency, lightly structured and tactile. This gorgeous Etna Bianco is drinking beautifully today yet with the balance to promote medium-term cellaring." Vinous

Don Antonio Riserva is the best selection from the Morgante vineyards, where only Nero d'Avola grows. Concentrated and hauntingaromas, very typical of the variety, ripe fruit accompanied by mineral and balsamic notes. Lively and elegant on the palate. The flagship of the winery and a prime example of the "Taste of Sicily". SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense and dark on the nose, of sweet black cherry, dark chocolate, liquorice, toast and bacon. With sweet, savoury fruit on the palate, powerful and with a lot of pressure, on tightly woven tannins, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Intense ripe dark fruits mixed with leather flavours, powerful and bright with a sweet, oaky finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Riserva Don Antonio rises from the glass with a mentholated blend of grilled herbs, dried black cherries and balsamic spice. This is an elegant and refined wine with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit accented by hints of spiced orange. Fine-grained tannins rise towards the finish, leaving it long and structured, yet remarkably fresh. Notes of cherry and dark chocolate linger on the final. The 2020 is a fantastic edition of the Don Antonio with a perfectly integrated hint of new oak. It should only need a short stay in the cellar before it reaches a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

The grapes for this sparkling wine, produced using the classic Champagne method, come from vineyards around Contessa Entellina. Fine, intense bouquet of bread crust and some dried fruit. Elegant, fresh and balanced flavour and a wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

100% Nero d'Avola yields a dense ruby-violet colour and a fresh bouquet with rich fruity notes of dark cherries, honey and some grenadine. Doppiozeta unfolds explosively and finesse-rich on the palate, with a velvety tannin and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"With fruit from old bush-trained vines, the 2018 Sicilia Noto Rosso Doppiozeta is sweet and slightly jammy with blackberry preserves and black cherry confit. The wine spreads heavily over the palate with thick fruit weight and substantial texture. " Wine Advocate

"This harmonious red is bright and stylish, with a dark and juicy blend of ripe blackberries and fragrant accents of ground pepper, dried sage, ground coffee and iron. Silky tannins show through on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Rosso Doppiozeta is dark and seductive. It opens with balsamic herbs, tobacco and a hint of mocha before moving into the depths of blackcurrant and plum skin. It glides across the palate with ease, guided by bright acidity as it throws around citrus and savoury spices. Fine tannins linger along with a bitter hint of blood orange and a touch of sage. The 2018 has a finesse that already makes it extremely attractive. However, I don't think that's why it will be so long-lived." Vinous

"A juicy, complex red wine with plums, cherries and hints of slate and pumice. Also some rosemary and thyme. Full body, soft and creamy tannins and a subtle, beautiful finish." James Suckling

This intense and long-lasting Marsala matures for 5 years according to the soleras method in barrels of 50-100 hl. These lie on top of each other, as in sherry production, and the contents of the different barrels and vintages sorted by tiers are regularly blended together. In this way, the older Marsala gives the younger one its softness and maturity, while the younger portion adds freshness and fruitiness.

The result presents itself in deep gold with copper reflections. On the nose, a broad aroma of roasted hazelnuts and pine nuts mixed with pleasant notes of orange peel and honey. In the drink very round, warm and tasty, very spicy in the long finish. At a temperature of 16-18°C, it is ideal with sesame biscuits or dark chocolate. If you want to enjoy it cooler, then you should try it with fish specialities or even oysters. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for COS' new flagship wine come from vines over 45 years old and are fermented spontaneously on the skins, using only the naturally occurring yeasts. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Bastonaca 2019 seduces with a delightful, pink-coloured bouquet reminiscent of wild strawberries, cloves and fresh mint. It is soft and gentle, with lively acidity and a core of lively ripe cherries and berries. It leaves a lovely aftertaste of red liquorice and a hint of spice and finishes remarkably fresh. The 2019 is delicious." Vinous über den Jg. 2019

The grapes for the spicy, persistent Contrada come from over 50-year-old Nero d'Avola vines. Rich, lush bouquet of black cherries and plums, wonderfully fruity aromas on the palate with notes of leather, spices and liquorice. Seduces powerfully, with vitality and freshness, tension and a very distinguished elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, bright ruby red colour. Stunning aromas of floral dark berries, flint and attractive aromatic spices. Then fresh and juicy, but with a creeping concentration of blue and black fruit flavours, lifted by a zesty minerality and lively, harmonious acidity. The spicy, long finish is reminiscent of cloves, black pepper and coriander. A great wine, and we know now at the latest: The Catania family has a real knack for Cerasuolo di Vittoria. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. On the nose, wild berries, cinnamon, fresh raspberries, a hint of blood orange, rosehip, cold smoke. The palate is sweet and melting, with crisp, racy acidity, very precise and fragrant, with floral hints and a salty, lively acidity on the finish, exciting!" Falstaff

"The organic Gulfi 2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico shows a medium dark appearance with a hint more concentration that you might normally expect of this appellation. Indeed, the 2019 vintage shows more richness overall. This wine is ripe and amply framed by ripe cherry, dark plum and dried blueberry skins." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of crushed black cherry, plum, fig, leather and rosemary. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Nice tension and clarity here. Juicy red fruit with some black-tea character. Succulent and very tasty." James Suckling

"Dark and moody in the glass, the 2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico lifts up with a blend of mentholated herbs and medicinal blackberry offset by balsamic spice. This is zesty and energetic, yet still quite potent, with a mass of tart wild berry fruits motivated by saline-tinged acidity. It finishes long, leaving a pretty inner sweetness and violet florals. Black raspberry traces slowly fade. The 2019 is a robust Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico that drinks beautifully now yet should also mature well over the next five to eight years." Vinous

Deep ruby red colour. Intense aroma of raspberry, red cherry, violets and spices. Sweet, spicy and yet light-footed, it convinces with a great inner energy that gives the red fruits, herbs and mineral flavours an impressive expression. In the never-ending finish, Nerobaronj is vibrant and with striking tannins, which lend additional emphasis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoke, balsamic blackberries and baked black cherries on the nose. Rich and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with supportive, fine tannins and a lengthy, coated finish. Really fine-grained." James Suckling

"Depths of black cherry, plum sauce, sage and clove are grounded by animal musk as the 2019 NeroBaronj smolders up from the glass. It flows across the palate like pure silk, refined and seamless in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and exotic citrus tones that add contrast toward the close. The 2019 finishes long yet closes in upon itself with youthful poise, allowing fine tannins to resonate. Sour cherry notes stick around for a bit. This is elegance personified." Vinous

Arianna Occhipinti's Il Frappato, which is rare every year, is spicy and elegant on the nose but, as always, needs a little air to show its best side. Captivating aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals, white pepper and thyme emerge in the glass, hinting at a mouthful of sweet red fruit, complemented by zesty acidity and salty salinity. Seamless tannins caress the long and perfumed finish. Il Frappato embodies a contemporary style that goes well with the healthy dishes we want to eat today, with lots of vegetables and white meat. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Il Frappato is an understated beauty. Blackberries and redcurrants swirl from the glass, accentuated by a hint of incense and grated sage. The palate is soft and supple, with crisp red and black fruits flowing over a core of tangible minerals and savoury spice. A hint of zesty acidity provides an amazing freshness, even as a tart wild berry note pinches the cheeks on the long and tense final. I would enjoy the 2022 with a meal rather than on its own, but I have a feeling that was Arianna Occhipinti's intention." Vinous

"A succulent, precise, bright and lively frappato. The nose shows notes of forest berries, sour cherries, forest floor, pebbles and mild spices. It’s light- to medium-bodied with silky tannins. Polished and vivid with bright acidity. It’s agile, with so much succulence at the center. Mouthwatering and long." James Suckling