Sicily

The Nero d’Avola grapes used for Cardilla come from the sun-drenched plains around Marsala, characterised by limestone-rich soils and a gentle sea breeze – — ideal conditions for expressive fruit and balanced ripeness. A deep ruby red with a purplish sheen. The nose evokes dark cherries, blackberries, a hint of plum and Mediterranean herbs, underpinned by a spicy nuance. Soft and round on the palate, with gentle tannins, ripe fruit and a subtle hint of chocolate on the finish. Ageing in stainless steel tanks emphasises freshness and varietal character. An uncomplicated yet characterful Nero d’Avola for everyday enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

Nero d'Avola is the undisputed king of Sicilian red wines. Carlo Pellegrino, with roots in Marsala dating back to 1880, produces it from the western part of the island, specifically the Agro di Salemi and Mazara del Vallo regions in the province of Trapani, 160 metres above sea level. Loam-clay soils with a slightly salty, mineral note; a quintessentially Mediterranean climate: mild winters, hot, windy summers, little rain. Grapes harvested in the first week of September. Classic red wine fermentation at a controlled temperature. Four months in stainless steel. Unpretentious and authentic.

A single-varietal Frappato that combines the sunny side of Sicily with a touch of freshness. The vines are rooted in the lower-lying areas around Trapani and Marsala – sandy, calcareous soils, cooled by Mediterranean breezes that lend the wine a fragrant clarity. A pale ruby red with violet glints. On the nose, red berries, cherry, a hint of violet and delicate traces of spice. Juicy on the palate, with fine acidity and delicate, well-integrated tannins. Best served slightly chilled with Mediterranean antipasti, grilled vegetables, fish or pasta with fresh herbs. SUPERIORE.DE

The Syrah grapes used for the Tareni are grown in western Sicily at an altitude of 100 metres, on clay soil, with mild winters, little rainfall and a very hot, windy summer. The grapes are harvested between late August and early September; following partial maceration at a low temperature, the wine ferments under temperature control and is then aged for four months in stainless steel. Violet-red in colour, with a pronounced bouquet of ripe red fruits, sour cherry and pomegranate, complemented by cloves and pink pepper. Fresh and intense on the palate, with juiciness and pleasantly firm tannins. Sicily provides the sunshine; this Syrah provides the freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

Sicily at altitude. Cusumano's Insolia vines grow in the hills near Salemi and Monreale – with a south-easterly aspect, slow ripening and pure mountain air. No fuss, no great effort: the high altitude does the work. Hand-harvested in early September, twelve hours of cold maceration at 8°C, gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation at 18–20°C, four months on the fine lees in stainless steel. Straw-yellow in colour, with notes of hawthorn, citrus zest and a hint of exotic fruit – fresh and delicate, with pleasant acidity and a light, salty-mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Alcamo is one of the oldest and best-known white wine-growing regions in western Sicily. In the hinterland of the province of Trapani, on gentle hills between 150 and 300 metres, Catarratto grows here – the indigenous grape variety that has characterised the white face of this landscape for centuries. The Patti Piccolo estate, home to the Rallo vineyards, is located in this heartland: organically farmed, wind-cooled and influenced by the sea air of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 80% Catarratto, supplemented by 20% other indigenous white grape varieties. Hand-picked at the end of August to the beginning of September, gentle pressing, fermentation in steel at 15 to 16 °C, 6 months in steel, short bottle ageing. Fresh, aromatic, for every day.

Nero d'Avola is the noblest red grape variety in Sicily – deep ruby red, full of character, with a warmth that breathes the island. The fact that Cantine Rallo calls its red wine Il Principe is no exaggeration: it is a tribute to the heritage of Sicilian wine culture and to the grape variety that gives it its backbone. 80% Nero d'Avola, supplemented by 20% other autochthonous red varieties, harvested by hand at the end of September to the beginning of October on the sandy soils of Patti Piccolo in Alcamo.

A red wine that doesn't disguise itself. The cuvée of 50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc comes from organically farmed vineyards between Menfi and Noto – from limestone and clay soils that give the wine structure without imposing heaviness. 2024 was a tight, hot year in Sicily: 30% less harvest than normal, but perfect ripeness. The mash fermented for 7–8 days in stainless steel, initially cool at 16–17°C, open to 25°C towards the end – gentle, precise, fruit-centred.

Sicily at its brightest, lightest-footed best. The Planeta family's Segreta vineyards are located between Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia – on calcareous soils close to the sea and on the cool, gravel-strewn slopes of the Ulmo estate at 210 metres above sea level. It is precisely this combination that characterises the Bianco: 40% Grecanico as the aromatic backbone, complemented by Grillo, Chardonnay and other varieties in equal proportions. Fermented at a cool 15–16°C, then on the fine lees with weekly bâtonnage – no wood, no intervention, just texture and freshness.

Damascene roses bloom on the label – the "painters' roses", one of the oldest varieties of rose in the world, renowned for their exceptional quality and their enchanting fragrance. Planeta did not choose them by chance: the Damask rose describes the wine better than any technical term ever could. Nero d'Avola and Syrah – complemented by a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc – from the vineyards of the family estate in Menfi, in south-western Sicily, on clay soils bathed in the Mediterranean breeze and Sicilian sunshine. Organically farmed.

A Grillo typical of the western half of Sicily; the grapes come from vines growing on calcareous soil at medium altitude near Salemi. In the glass, it is a bright straw-yellow colour with a greenish tinge. On the nose, ripe yellow fruits, a hint of grapefruit, honeydew melon and a touch of salty sea breeze. On the palate, the 2024 vintage is crisp and juicy, with well-integrated acidity, a subtle sweetness from the fruit, a hint of lime zest and noticeable minerality on the finish. Ageing in stainless steel preserves its freshness and purity of flavour. A characterful, Mediterranean white wine with understated elegance – pairs superbly with antipasti, grilled fish or summer vegetable platters. SUPERIORE.DE

A Nero d'Avola with style and everyday appeal, made from grapes grown in the province of Caltanissetta (near Lago di Disueri), where clay and limestone soils, combined with significant temperature variations between day and night, lend the wine aromatic depth. In the glass, a rich ruby red with a purplish rim. Aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and a hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is soft and fruit-forward, with gentle tannins, lively freshness and a smooth, easy-drinking quality. Ageing in stainless steel ensures clarity and varietal character. A very typical and cleanly vinified Nero d'Avola with a Mediterranean character – ideal with pasta, braised vegetables or grilled meat. SUPERIORE.DE

A rosé that embodies the light of Sicily. The Frappato grape variety, renowned for its fragrant elegance, brings a great deal of finesse and lightness to the glass, particularly when made into a rosé. Grown on sandy, calcareous soils near Trapani and Marsala, the wine is matured in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh, fruit-driven character. A delicate salmon pink with coppery highlights. Aromas of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit and a hint of hibiscus. Juicy and crisp on the palate, with lively acidity, delicate fruit notes and a subtly salty finish. A Mediterranean rosé with a refined touch – ideal as an aperitif or with antipasti, seafood and light summer dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth company that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. Aromatic bouquet of sweet cherries and wild berries. Clear on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and a radiant freshness, appealing finish. A beautiful Syrah that impressively demonstrates Sicily's potential for international grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth winery that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. At Sallier de la Tour, the focus is on the Grillo, Inzolia, Syrah and Nero d'Avola grape varieties. Light yellow in colour with green reflections. Orange zest, meadow flowers and notes of melon and herbs on the nose. Fresh and light on the palate, again fruity, with a fine almond flavour. A delicious classic for light Mediterranean cuisine and warm summer evenings. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw-yellow with greenish highlights. A fresh nose of yellow fruits and meadow herbs. On the palate, notes of citrus enveloped by a delicate acid wire and spice. The trendy white grape variety Grillo is simply a delight in the glass. The Sallier de la Tour estate has been owned by the Counts of Tasca since 2009 and is thus the fifth estate to complement and define the diversity and professionalism of what is arguably Sicily's most famous winery. At Sallier de la Tour, the focus is on the Grillo, Inzolia, Syrah and Nero d'Avola grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE