Wines from Sicily

The grapes are harvested at the end of August when they are well ripe and then dried in 5 kg crates at 23⁰C in the fruit cellar. After about 40 days, when half of their weight has been lost, the grapes are pressed and the resulting must, which is particularly rich in sugar, ferments slowly at 18°C for over a month in stainless steel vats, where it remains until bottling.

Light golden yellow, fine bouquet of orange blossom, some quince, apricot and peach. Sparkling on the palate with surprisingly lively acidity, spreads nicely, in the long final again orange peel and some grapefruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweetly seductive, the 2020 Passito di Noto captivates with a rich blend of spiced blood orange and lemon curd complicated by savory herbal tones and white smoke. This soothes with its weighty, silken textures while mixing sweet and sour through a blend of saline-tinged acids, sour citrus and sweet tropical melon. While long and potent, the 2020 remains impossibly fresh, leaving candied lime and Sour Patch green apple to linger on and on." Vinous

Pithos Bianco is a great Orange Wine from the amphora made from 100 percent Grecanico, fermented completely on the skins. Complex bouquet of apple, pear, honey, mint and a hint of rosemary. Already young with lots of ripe fruit and spice, a little salt, with beautiful depth and purity in the interesting, persistent taste. Very good storage and ageing potential. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

In 1773, a rich and resourceful merchant named John happened to land on the Marsala Coast. He was the first to produce the classic Marsala known to this day by adding brandy, refining it so that he could take it back to England without the risk of early spoilage. Intense amber colour. On the nose notes of apricot and carob, some thyme and black pepper. Full and warm on the palate with a fine apricot touch and candied fruit notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; sea, fruit ripeness, candied, caramelised orange peel, deep, beautiful nose; not too sweet, round, bittersweet, dates, depth and extended length." Merum

"If you aren't familiar with Marsala, this medium-dry wine would be a good place to start, with intense caramelized-nut, candied-orange and bitter-chocolate character, plus a restrained touch of sweetness. The tannins in Marsala can make the aftertaste bitter, but here they really help to balance the sweetness." James Suckling

"Cantine Pellegrino is a historical producer active since 1880 that has over 150 hectares in different parts of Sicily and on the Island of Pantelleria. This Marsala is bright amber. The nose is pleasant and fresh, with straightforward notes of apricot, hints of carob and thyme. The wine is full, sweet with integrated alcohol, round and generous on the palate. It is made with Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto, ages 48 months in oak barrels and at least six months in barrique." Decanter

Fascinating, brightly coloured cuvée that smells of fresh fruit and flowers. Flavours of apple, pear and peach flatter the palate, well balanced and well-balanced. The fine mineral saline note on the finish is also delicious. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh white, with lovely verve and fine balance imparting an open-knit accessibility, carrying a pleasing range of poached pear and apricot fruit, fresh herb and milled white pepper accents. Reveals tangy notes of tangerine and pink grapefruit zest on the salty finish." James Suckling

"Lively citrus notes, followed by subtle flavours of mussels and wet stones. Medium body. Flinty finish at the end. Clean and crisp." James Suckling

"The Graci 2022 Etna Bianco has a pronounced mineral note that gives it additional sharpness and brightness. Over the years, the proportion of Carricante in the blend has increased. The salty-mineral profile of this grape variety takes centre stage. The wine has a very light golden colour and is already very drinkable." Wine Advocate

"Blend of Carricante and Catarratto. Notes of chinotto, yellow plums and lemony sage on the nose, almondy, salty and acidic on the finish, with a fruity, lemony and dried fruit aftertaste. Very long lasting." Luca Gardini

The name refers to the altitude at which the grapes for this champagne-style spumante are grown. Noble light yellow in colour, the bouquet has delicate notes of broom, yellow fruit and the typical yeast note. A fine, persistent perlage on the palate, with fine yellow fruit and respectable depth, with an aristocratic, elegant, fresh, fruity and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Aristocratic, amphora-aged natural wine made from 100 per cent Zibibbo with a reductive, floral bouquet, notes of white and yellow stone fruit and a savoury, spicy herbal aroma. The flavours meld with great elegance on the palate, with delicate notes of peach and exotic fruit, long, fresh, mineral and an extremely interesting finish. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Zibibbo in Pithos entices with a beautiful, exotic blend of mint, white smoke and orange sorbet. It’s soft-textured, building inner tension as tart orchard fruits and sour citrus tones come together with saline minerals and a core of brisk acidity. The 2022 tapers off long and fresh, finishing with a liquid floral concentration and hints of green melon that resonate." Vinous

"Light copper yellow colour. Pure and fragrant bouquet with jasmine, apricots, medlar and nectarines. Full-bodied and phenolic on the palate, with fresh acidity and a long, slightly salty finish. Only 11% alcohol. It has a beautiful structure and intensity. A wonderful Zibibbo with skin contact." James Suckling

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits spill across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

This archetypal Etna Rosso presents itself with great grace and beautiful varietal typicity. The bouquet has aromas of strawberry and cherry, the palate has medium-bodied fruit, slightly salty notes and spicy nuances in the beautiful final. It shows the specific volcanic character and is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, which is harvested at 600 to 700 metres above sea level on ashy volcanic soils. SUPERIORE.DE

"Berry bouquet with ripe red fruits such as red cherries, pomegranate, orange peel, plus bloody iodised notes. Dense and elegantly woven on the palate, concentrated mid-palate with small red berries, framed by a peppery, savoury acidity structure, fine tannins and a racy final. Wow, and this is the entry-level red!" Weinwisser

"This energetic red Etna has a well-packed nose of blood oranges, violets, geraniums, black pepper and assertive pomegranate. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, crisp acidity and velvety tannins. This has very good fruit concentration, a crunchy finish and great balance. Drinkable now but will evolve, improving integration and complexity." James Suckling

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices on the nose offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the indigenous Etna grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Nerello Cappuccio is dark and brooding in the glass. Hints of sage and balsamic spice complicate dried black cherries on the nose. It’s much more giving on the palate, pleasantly ripe in style with a wave of tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals that saturate, adding tension toward the close. The 2021 tapers off with a staining of primary concentration, gently grippy tannins and a bitter tinge of tart blackberry that lingers on and on." Vinous

"Flavours of watermelon, slightly tart cherries and crushed stones follow through to a medium body, with bright acidity and a creamy and round tannin structure. Delicious now, but even better in a few years." James Suckling

Deep dark, sparkling ruby red colour. An opulent dark red fruit basket on the nose, intense and full. From the very first sip, a depth that is unrivalled in this price range. The heights to which this wine is capable of carrying the connoisseur are nothing short of spectacular. At the same time, it always convinces with an indescribable balance. Maharis is never fat or jammy, but its potpourri of dark fruits, spices, matured leather and a subtle smoky note is balanced at all times with an almost surprising freshness and liveliness. The final is long, velvety and richly textured. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Nose with elegant wood, fine spice, black pepper and grated blackcurrants, sour cherries, dried flowers on the finish. On the palate, grippy and present, with a cool fruit centre and tight tannins, final on fine salty notes." Falstaff

"This balanced Syrah from Alberello vines grown on chalky soils in Noto has an incredible perfume of Parma violets, cedar wood, dark chocolate, balsam, dried cherries and wild strawberries. In the mouth, it is concentrated and vertical, with plenty of freshness, floral scents and airy delicacy combined with dark, juicy fruit. Juicy and stony with hints of violets and lavender, then liquorice, black pepper and coffee notes on the long finish, this is such a beautiful wine." Decanter

"The aromas of dark fruit, dried meat, bacon and orange peel are impressive. It’s medium-bodied with juicy fruit, round tannins and notes of dried meat and cedar. Lightly bitter at the end in a good way. An attractive blend of syrah and nero d’avola that gives an international take on the Sicilian area of Noto." James Suckling

Animalucente consists mainly of Carricante from 70-100 year old vines, some of which are still ungrafted. Shiny, ethereal and extravagant in the glass, the bright colour is reminiscent of a lava flow in a wild and romantic setting. Extremely flavoursome on the palate, vertical, with a tangy acidity and creaminess that makes you want to drink the next glass. Animalucente is a strong, forward and very authentic Etna wine and the perfect fusion of heaven and earth. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has an invitingly transparent style with plenty of juiciness and core. Slightly green accents resonate, the acidity appears subtly unripe in a well-built structure." Weinwisser

"Bright straw yellow colour. Open-hearted on the nose, of salt lemon, dried herbs, sea salt, then precise, juicy, clean on the palate." Falstaff

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Animalucente Santo Spirito blends savouriness and sweetness with a burst of crushed stone and lemon peel accompanied by a hint of sage. It has a soft texture with juicy acidity and savoury minerals holding the balance as the crunchy fruit trees slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2022 tapers off with a flinty feel and admirable length, leaving a hint of sour citrus for lovely punctuation." Vinous

"Delicately floral and honeyed lemon, herbal and fragrant on the nose. Dense, round and full of flavour - burnt caramel, orange peel and blossom, pear drops and chamomile with plenty of spiced, roasted edges providing the frame and sense of structure. Nice body and fruitiness, round and forward, offering a full palate with nuances of iron, black pepper, cloves, toast and freshly picked apples. A beautiful wine." Decanter

"You can smell the sea here and there are many aromas and flavours of dried lemon, raw ginger and apple. Turmeric. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and yet energetic and concentrated. So complex. Very well made." James Suckling

Planeta's famous Chardonnay exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, the same intense flavours, delicate melting paired with fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995, it definitely needs a few years to mature in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

One of the most exciting Etna Rosso with a balsamic, spicy bouquet and a balanced, yet very characterful, juicy, long flavour. Fine fruit, good acidity, firm tannin, beautiful length. Perfectly reflects the terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco notes; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, develops full of verve towards a long final." Vinum

"It has a tantalising aroma of red and black cherries, almonds, spices and balsamic. In the mouth it is bright and intense, with a good body and balanced savoury red fruits. The finish is fleshy and juicy, stony and slightly bitter (in a positive way)." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Rosso ‘A Rina opens slowly in the glass with a savory herbal tinge that gives way to rose petals, ash and wild strawberries. This is juicy and round, with abundant energy and ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Brilliant acidity adds further lift as zesty wild berries linger over a subtle bed of fine tannins, framing the experience without getting in the way. It’s a total pleasure to taste and would even stand up to a slight chill on a warm day." Vinous

"This is the entry-level red wine from Girolamo Russo. The Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021 is made from Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio from different vineyards and offers excellent value with wild berries, blue flowers and crushed stone with an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil. Medium-bodied, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very nice now, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

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

The four wines resulting from the collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata show attention to detail and unconditional love for Sicily. They are the perfect expression of two top companies "Made in Italy". They represent the aesthetic fusion of craftsmanship, creativity and Sicilian passion. Together, they have created a unique collection of wines and packaging that emotionally capture Sicilian culture and lifestyle and express a clear commitment to the beauty and tradition of Sicily.

Bright pale pink colour. Floral, fragrant bouquet of jasmine blossoms and rose petals as well as fine fruity notes of white peach and bergamot. Fresh, elegant and mineral on the palate, great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate salmon pink colour. Peach, black tea, bergamot and light berry notes on the nose. Off-dry on the palate, again bright red fruit, very vertical, fresh, slightly juicy, light to medium body." Falstaff

"The wonderfully zesty 2023 Rosa has a pretty, pale pink colour and a bouquet of green apples with lime and a hint of confectionery spice. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness that fades into vibrant white pear and orange zest. A core of vibrant acidity provides a fantastic energy on the inside. The result is a beautiful, crisp and refreshing wine with a savoury note - a fantastic interpretation of the Rosa di Donnafugata, despite the difficulties of the vintage." Vinous

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerobaronj 2014, which is now - in spring 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 5 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

"Perfumed and remarkably pretty, the 2014 NeroBaronj emerges from the glass with a dusty mix of autumnal spices, sweet rose and vibrant, freshly squeezed black cherries. It has a creamy texture with a pleasing inner sweetness, while cool acidity enlivens the crisp wild berries and contrasting sour citrus tones within. A hint of tart concentration lingers at the edge of the palate, while a lingering note of red candy lingers in the middle. This is a highly appealing and potent version of NeroBaronj." Vinous

"Deep, earthy bouquet with lots of ripe black plums, plus fresh dates and figs. Rich and quite tannic, although these two aspects of the wine now harmonise well. Notes of leather and cloves develop with air. Confident, dry finish with a lovely powdery texture." James Suckling

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

Sun-kissed Syrah from Etna, with an aroma of dark berries and a pleasant spicy note. The flavour is mineral and has a complex structure. An elegant wine with a harmonious final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Black pepper and ripe cherries on the nose, with a chocolate aftertaste. Juicy and well-balanced on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long, spicy final." Falstaff

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