Wines from Sicily

The harvested Malvasia grapes remain in shaded drying chambers for several weeks under good ventilation. Without moisture and hot sun, the grapes dry slowly and thus retain their acidity and very moderate alcohol levels. Capofaro is an impressive dessert wine that comes from vines that once belonged to the late winemaker Carlo Hauner, who made Malvasia from the island of Salina famous.

Bright golden yellow in colour. A warm bouquet of orange blossom, candied orange peel and flowers, underpinned by bright, savoury notes. Very densely packed and tightly wound, it displays a luscious mouthfeel and a tantalising sweetness that is beautifully balanced by a crisp acidity. The finish is creamy and long, with notes of botrytis and reminiscent of tropical fruit nectar. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Capofaro mixes savory and sweet with a bouquet of salty sea air, oyster shells, ripe apples and mint. This has the weight and feel of nectar yet possesses a tart citrus concentration and brilliant acidity to balance. Ripe mango combines with kiwi as a salty tinge of minerality settles in toward the close. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, leaving a confectionery resonance without being sweet or cloying. I’m ready for another sip." Vinous

A beguilingly fruity Noà made from Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a delicious bouquet of ripe red fruit, spices and cocoa and a fresh flavour with silky smooth tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and quite heady red with plenty of pine cones, heavily toasted spices, tar and an abundance of black fruits. Full-bodied. With rich, juicy black fruits. The quality of the tannins is good. Very intense in flavour." James Suckling

"The 2020 Noà is dark and floral with a burst of black raspberries, grilled herbs and ashen stone. It splashes across the palate with silken textures motivated by juicy acidity, displaying ripe wild berry fruits and contrasting hints of spice orange. The 2020 leaves stony mineral tones and edgy tannins to linger, tapering off with admirable length and balance." Vinous

Animardente is a pure Nerello Mascalese produced from vines planted in bushes at an altitude of 700 metres on partly sandy and ashy, partly gravelly and pebbly soils that are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. The name of the wine is derived from the bowels of the volcano, from its incessant activity, the heat and the colour of the magma. The vines grow in a kind of amphitheatre created by volcanic eruptions, which over the centuries have produced a valuable substrate for viticulture: On dark volcanic soils formed from lava flows, mainly free-living, rootless vines develop here, which are exposed to the most extreme climatic influences. Animardente was born a few years ago in this almost moon-like landscape. A name that tells of the soul of the silent volcano, unexpected and incandescent, breathing life into perpetual motion. An irrepressible and seductive force of nature, the expression of a unique terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Animardenta Santo Spirito is wickedly fresh, opening with a whiff of savory herbs and crushed rocks that gives way to wild strawberries and rose petals. This possesses a lovely inner sweetness that’s further enhanced by ripe red berries as autumnal spices swirl atop a core of grippy tannin. The 2021 finishes long, gently tannic and beautifully balanced. A note of licorice remains on the close." Vinous

"Cherry red colour with garnet reflections. Medium body with very fine tannins and fresh cherry, dried lemon and stone flavours. Crisp and tasty. A hint of minerals and pumice on the finish." James Suckling

Muscular Nero d'Avola, deep dark red in colour, rich in extract and powerful with aromas of dried fruit, raspberries, beetroot and blackcurrants. A juicy Sicilian from natural cultivation that enchants us with its great personality and beguiling finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"The scent of wild hedgerow berries leads to a softly structured, flavoursome palate that mirrors the nose and shows good intensity of red and black berries. Polished and well balanced, it is an elegant interpretation of Nero d'Avola." Decanter

"The organic Nero d'Avola Siccagno 2020 offers a lovely blend of cherry, dark fruit and a hint of clove. The wine shows notes of cola, black olives and baked plums in the background. There is plenty of fruit in this wine, leading to a bold, vibrant style. It is fluid in personality, but also lean in texture." Wine Advocate

"A very attractive Nero d'Avola with crushed black berries and bright citrus acidity with hints of fruit, black tea and dark mushrooms. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and tangy acidity on the finish. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Siccagno captivates with an earth-inspired bouquet that blends crushed ashen stones with sage and smoke before giving way to crushed wild blueberries. It’s silky and refined, with a sleek wave of ripe red and blue fruits carried across a core of zesty acidity. A saline tinge adds a savory edge toward the close. The 2020 finishes lightly structured, long and with immaculate balance, leaving a coating of primary concentration, hints of citrus and inner florals. While already a total pleasure aromatically and on the palate, I expect the 2020 Siccagno will blossom beautifully over the next five to ten years in a cold cellar. This is stunning." Vinous

The Metodo Classico from COS, produced in very small quantities, is a real rarity. After fermentation in terracotta amphorae, it matures on the fine yeast for at least another 18 months in the classic champagne process before it is then disgorged without adding any dosage. It gets its pale pink colour from about 4 hours of contact with the skins. A rare Sicilian zero dosage that sets standards with its fineness, minerality and elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

Muscular Nero d'Avola, deep dark red in colour, rich in extract and powerful with aromas of dried fruit, raspberries, beetroot and blackcurrants. A juicy Sicilian from natural cultivation that enchants us with its great personality and beguiling finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"A single-variety Nero d’Avola, Siccagno displays a dark ruby colour and opens up to deep aromas of crushed blackberries, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, leather, and a whiff of tar. The darkest wine in the range, firm acidity and slightly dusty tannins provide the backbone for layers of undergrowth-tinged black fruits, a lively progression with a medium to long finish lifted by anchovy-like salinity. Slightly more rustic than the Frappato-based wines, it will show best with some bottle ageing." Decanter

Neromaccarj comes from a low-lying vineyard facing the sea and shows the ripe and juicy side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens with a deep dark appearance and flavours that are dense and broad, forming a high wall of black plum fruit. The wine is very immediate and impressive, and you don't have to look far to recognise all these wide-ranging aromas on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with multi-layered fruit and fine tannins. 6,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried plums, mussels, dark cherries, figs and warm cinnamon spices on the nose. Quite flavorful and juicy on the palate with tight yet silky tannins that grow on the palate. Quite ripe but refined, with a long, intense finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 NeroMaccarj tempts the imagination as dark depths of black cherry and brown spice evolve into an array of minty herbs, clove and crushed raspberries. This is soft and supple on the palate, with tart red berries and exotic spice motivated by brisk acidity. It tapers off with a bitter tinge of wild berry concentration and only lightly structured, ending with blood orange and rosy dark chocolate. The 2019 is very pretty today, yet holding its power in reserve." Vinous

Noblesse is the very first and still extremely rare bottle-fermented sparkling wine made from Carricante, the noble indigenous white grape of the Etna volcano. The grapes come from 20-60 year old vines that are planted both in the traditional bush vine (albarello) and in rows using the Guyot training system. Pale straw yellow in colour with light greenish reflections. Very delicate and persistent perlage, fine foam. Intense on the nose, with a delicate aroma of orange and lemon blossom and ripe apple. Wonderfully fresh and dry on the palate, elegant, with pleasant acidity and a lovely aromatic, delicately yeasty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderfully matured for at least 10 years, this vintage Marsala presents itself in a deep golden hue. In the opulent aroma we find notes of dried fruits and tobacco, mixed with hints of chestnut honey. On the palate, firm, powerful, dry, with a pleasant freshness and a very harmonious, long final. Ideal as a digestif or with mature cheeses, accompanied by lemon or bitter orange marmalade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; depth, sweet biscuits, inviting; fine attack, then power, long, quite deep, fine, pleases well." Merum

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 Neromaccarj 2011, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 8 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Dark colour, beautiful bouquet of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, ripe, fruity morello cherry and date fruit, rich in silky tannins, that's how it is, the magnificent and expressive Nero d'Avola single-vineyard wine Neromaccarj. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 Neromàccarj is the wine that, in my opinion, best encompasses the overall winemaking philosophy at Gulfi. Like the other Nero d'Avola selections presented, this wine boasts a super enriched and concentrated style. On top of black fruit and cherry marmalade, the bouquet offers Teriyaki, barbecue smoke and asphalt-like aromas. Neromàccarj presents a more balanced and complete picture because its large bulk is spread evenly in proportioned elements. In other words, the opulence of the bouquet is perfectly matched to the large footprint left on the finish." Wine Advocate

Complex aroma profile of dried apple, pear, camomile, exotic fruits and ash. Full of grace on the palate, dry, fruity and intense, a delicate acidity and fine minerality lend freshness. A very elegant and attractive white wine from Etna with good potential and a never-ending experience factor: every sip opens up new facets of this completely enchanting wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 has a more tropical feel and offers flavours of papaya, banana, apricot and lychee, followed by a sweetly ripe, mineral core filled with juicy yellow fruit. Juiciness and freshness in abundance." Decanter

"Vibrant flavours of nectarines, lemons, white peaches and honeysuckle, leading to a medium body with delicious fruit and a lively finish. Shows a lot of energy." James Suckling

Guardiola, a cru from Nerello Mascalese, shows the typical elegant flavour of volcanic soils. Fine raspberry fruit, gentle acidity and silky tannins, full and ripe, but never too full-bodied. A modern wine from a traditional vine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spectacular vineyard with steep terraces. Extraordinarily deep and multi-faceted, highly elegant and full of finesse with finely honed red berry fruit, extraordinarily precise and puristic, a true mountain wine with Burgundian finesse. Bravo Diego!" Weinwisser

"A mineral version that starts with hints of tar, smoke and iron, then segues into flavours of black plum, dried rosemary, resin and sandalwood. It shows fine-grained tannins that firm up the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A dusty mixture of balsamic herbs, menthol, dark chocolate and dried black cherries characterise the 2019 Etna Rosso Guardiola. It is surprisingly soft and enveloping, but quickly gains tension. Salty minerals and exotic spices complicate the tart red berry fruits. The finish is still a little chewy and tannic, with a residual acidity that balances while a bitter balsamic hint fades. Patience is required." Vinous

"A pretty serious expression from Guardiola, showing a unique peppery flavour with lots of dark minerals, sweet spices and tar. Also savoury berries and dried orange peel. Full-bodied on the palate with flattering, integrated tannins that give it a full, dense body. Long and spicy finish." James Suckling

"The nose starts with sweet, bright aromas of strawberries and raspberries, then turns savoury and wild with notes of tar, earth and herbs. On the palate, a gentle floral note makes the fruit elements sweeter and more delicate, but the earthy tones linger while the acidity pushes against a curtain of refined tannins." Decanter

"It shows fragrant red fruits, black cherry and earth, with some peppery spice. Dense, flavoursome and grippy with fresh acidity, the palate shows some lovely dark fruits and a chewy finish lifted by its inherent freshness." Decanter

"A pure Nerello Mascalese, with notes of undergrowth alternating with a crisp freshness. Blackcurrant on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf, taut on the palate, spicy, with great length on the palate, with a fruity-official return." Luca Gardini

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in very consistent acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna.

This historic site, called Milo, with its old vines, is virtually predestined for the Etna Bianco Superiore, which Terre Nere is now bringing to market for the first time as a single-vineyard Bianco "Salice". More floral and citrus-scented on the nose than the normal Carricante, the Superiore also has a little more body, acidity, depth and finesse. The elegant acidity makes it vibrantly fresh and long and ensures an exciting drinking flow and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicious white with a well-cut, fine acidity and a lovely palette of notes of mirabelle plums, pink grapefruit pith, raw almonds and chamomile on the mineral, savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"This super white wine is very focused, with a linear line of savoury fruit and undertones of apples and limes. Full but dense, it has great length and presence." James Suckling

This Carricante from vines up to 100 years old from a small single vineyard gives no indication of its varietal and terroir origins. Fine fruity aroma, mineral and with a fresh sea breeze. Powerful, well-structured, a fine woody note, balanced and long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has beautiful freshness and honey character with sliced apples and pears as well as lemons and honey. Medium- to full-bodied, it has depth of fruit, minerals and a long finish with cement undertones." James Suckling

Donnafugata's "Dolce & Gabbana" Limited Edition represents the collaboration between two iconic brands that are recognised beyond the country's borders as ambassadors of Sicilian culture and Italian excellence. The joint commitment of these two companies to elegance, craftsmanship and creativity brilliantly reinterprets this historic cuvée of the winery. To mark the occasion, Tancredi has been given an exclusive Dolce & Gabbana label since the 2018 vintage, with an aesthetic that pays homage to both Italy's baroque-aristocratic tradition and the revolutionary values that emerged in Sicily after the country's unification.

This noble Sicilian is mainly made from Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter enriching the aroma spectrum with a subtle minty facet. In addition, the bouquet is refined by sweet mineral graphite, tones of liquorice, cocoa, sour cherries and blueberries. The excellent, broad and enveloping flavour structure is confirmed in the final of considerable length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Dolce & Gabbana Tancredi seduces with a burst of black currants, wild blueberries, oak spice, mentholated herbs and cloves. This is pure and elegant in style with underlying power in reserve. Masses of ripe red and black fruits saturate, leaving a mineral staining as fine-grained tannins penetrate toward the close. The 2020 cleans up beautifully through the finish, structured and classically dry with a tart blackberry crunch and hints of pepper that linger on. Have patience with this understated beauty." Vinous

Beautiful red Etna, reminiscent of raspberry tea, lilac, rose petals and cherry blossom. Medium-bodied but deep in flavours, ranging from herbs to orange peel, supported by a firm but velvety and fine-grained structure. Lasting pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby garnet colour with a sparkling core. A nose of sealing wax with fine earthy notes, ripe cranberries, wet stone, smoky aftertaste. Stony feel on the palate, dark and spicy, restrained fruit, but with a lovely salinity on the medium-long final." Falstaff

"On the nose, there are mainly earthy, spicy aromas of stones and herbs, but also notes of cherry, strawberry and bergamot, which provide balance. The palate is rather fruit-orientated, with a pinch of salt as a nuance, while the acidity hovers over finely balanced tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This vibrant red has a creamy nappa consistency as flavours of dried raspberries and reduced cherries glide over and coat the palate, ensnared by biting acidity and chalky tannins. There's a tarry undertone and a pretty overtone of dried flowers, red liquorice, saffron and pink peppercorns that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Powerful black cherry, plum and baked red fruit flavours are accompanied by fine, ripe tannins that linger. Dense and quite closed at the moment, it needs time to reveal its full colours." Decanter

"A hint of tequila-like herbal freshness with minerals, dried roses, white pepper, graphite and grapefruit. Taut and juicy on the palate with assertive, dusty tannins. Fine-grained and long." 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.

Riesling from Etna? Initially an experiment, admittedly. But it can truly be described as successful and great: the latest addition to Planeta's Etna family with a delicate pale colour with green reflections; on the nose with a wide variety of aromas such as white apple, plum, lemon and yellow flowers. Completely dry on the palate, with mild acidity, fine minerality and (especially with increasing maturity) pronounced fruitiness and beguiling depth and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and zesty riesling with notes of spiced apples, candied lemons and fresh herbs. It’s medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Round texture with a lively stream of delicious lemons funneling through and onto the flavorful 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.

Text will follow shortly. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful and juicy Pinot Noir with flavours of cherries, dry earth and some dried herbs. It is medium-bodied with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Smooth and flattering with a delicious finish." James Suckling

A wonderfully concentrated and elegant wine that is already drinking excellently. On the nose, the typical varietal bouquet with light balsamic notes. Pleasantly straight and fine on the palate, silky and full of harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose precise of elderberries and cassis, noble note of green pepper and a hint of ivy, in the reverberation of cranberry jam and noble spice, multilayered. Balanced on the palate, with great play between fruit, spice and tannin, also very juicy, on anise in the finish, long and complex, very well done." Falstaff

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vigna San Francesco is dusty and floral in character, with peppery herbs and wildflowers giving way to masses of crushed raspberry. This is silky and refined, communicating pure elegance from the start, with a wave of ripe red and black berries that wash across the palate, leaving fine-grained tannins to linger under an air of sweet violet and rose tones. It tapers off much fresher than anticipated, and also only lightly structured, as nuances of blueberry skin linger, along with a hint of balsam herbs." Vinous

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving beautiful definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, complex wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Gulfi 2017 NeroSanloré is packed dense at its core and offers a very true portrait of the Sicilian grape from a hot vintage. There is a lot of extra ripeness that is delivered amply across the wine's dark fruit flavors and its soft textural richness. Nero d'Avola is planted across three hectares in reddish sandy soils. Like other wines from this vintage, it delivers a front-loaded effect. In other words, you get a great deal of ripeness and aromatic intensity on first inspection, but the wine is ultimately milder and shorter in terms of finish. However you look at it, this is a versatile, fruit-forward Sicilian red." Wine Advocate

"Old tile and ripe berry with some flowers and nuts. Just a hint of dried fruit. Full-bodied with round, succulent tannins and a juicy and tangy finish." James Suckling

"The 2017 NeroSanlorè is the dusty, spicy and elegant beauty of the Gulfi Nero d’Avola range. The bouquet presents a beguiling mix of crushed stone, roses, incense and tart cherries. It’s soft and almost weightless in feel, hovering across the palate with a refined display of red berries and inner florals. A subtle coating of tannin lingers, but does not get in the way as this finishes with sweet minerals and hints of tangerine. Give the Sanlorè a year or two to come further into focus and flesh out a bit more. From the Gulfi crus, this is the vineyard closest to the sea, less than 700 meters away, and at only 10–15 meters above sea level, with vines growing in sandy soils. It is simply stunning." Vinous