Wines from Sicily

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 Nerosanloré 2014, which is now - in spring 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 5 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

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 2014 NeroSanloré has a more mature bouquet than the other contradas tasted next to it, yet that's not to say that it’s any less pleasurable. Dark soil tones, tobacco, brown spice, cherry and plum sauce fill the glass with each swirl. It is velvety in feel yet lifted in weight, with tart red berries and saline-minerals that give way to rosy inner florals. A sweet and sour twang keeps the mouth watering through the licorice-tinged finale, as subtle tannins pinch at the cheeks, which keeps me looking back to the glass for more." Vinous

"Complex nose of black plum, bitter chocolate, balsamic vinegar, candied orange and a slew of baking spices. After all this extravagance, you might expect a soft and lush wine, but this full-bodied red has a very solid core of healthy tannin and is decisively dry. Surprisingly crisp finish." James Suckling

"This wine shows medium dark concentration, a distinguishing trait of this vintage. The aromas have embraced elegant tertiary definition with dried fruit, dark plummy flavors, spice, earth and smoky tar. The wine is drinking beautifully right now and gives us valuable and encouraging insight to the aging ability of this popular indigenous grape from Sicily." Wine Advocate

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. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow colour; citrus notes; fruit in the mouth, distant celery herb, fine structure, juicy, taut, sweetness, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"From a vineyard in Milo, the superiore zone for Etna Bianco: Filigree nose with fresh fruit and fine spice; full of character yet balanced in the mouth, mineral-fruity, floral-salty finish." Vinum

"Intense, sparkling straw yellow colour. Very exotic nose of papaya, mango and banana, with delicate floral notes and a cold, smoky finish. On the palate with a fine fruit melt and well-integrated acidity, compact, again exotic fruit, with a delicately bitter, animating finish." Falstaff

"Delicate and floral on the nose, it unfolds its expressive notes of pink grapefruit granita, fleur de sel, ripe yellow pear, aniseed and chopped Marcona almonds on the palate. Long and creamy with a mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very straightforward and dense, it definitely needs a few more years in the bottle to unfold and develop. At this young stage, the Benanti 2021 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo focuses on citrus fruit, green melon and Granny Smith apple. Give this wine another year or two in the bottle to develop some of those lovely carricante flint, crushed stone and yellow rose tones." Wine Advocate

"Overtones of flowers and spice brighten an otherwise very savoury nose. The palate remains savoury, but the spices linger and work with an emerging lemon to create a volcanic minerality, while offering a round, full texture before a long, hot finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A magnetic Carricante in purity from the municipality of Milo, refined in steel. Very complex on the nose, with notes of yellow flowers, bergamot, fresh thyme, a hint of white melon and a touch of iodine. Spicy-sweet on the palate, with a fruity-oily finish." Luca Gardini

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 Nerosanloré 2013, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 6 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Bright red-ruby. Perfumed aromas of violets, red cherries, raspberries, Mediterranean herbs and thyme. Then dense but juicy, with harmonious acidity that nicely lifts and prolongs the juicy, very pure, overripe red cherry and berry flavours on the long, mineral finish. Despite its maturity, the wine seems supple and is a real beauty! SUPERIORE.DE

"I love the intense herb-liqueur and balsamic-vinegar character on the nose, also because its married to delicious richness. Still very lively for a five-year-old red and the balance of ripeness and rather supple tannins is impressive. Long finish." James Suckling

"The 2013 Sicilia Nerosanloré is a rich and plush red wine with a mid-weight approach backed by lots of rich fiber and fruity thickness. The house style at Gulfi always prizes ripeness and higher-than-average concentration. Blackberry preserves and cherry confit are backed by spice, sweet tobacco and sticky tar. The San Lorenzo vineyard site enjoys the highest altitude of all these cru sites. It is located at 600 meters above sea level and has red sandy soils." Wine Advocate

Deep crimson ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of raspberries with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Lively, crushed red berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. It closes up a little on the finish, so you can expect much more, but for now it is already irresistible. Balanced and very elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"This iconic Sicilian wine is made from Nero d'Avola (58%) and Perricone (42%) and comes from the eight-hectare San Lucio vineyard. The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2017 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte is easy to recognise in a blind tasting thanks to its characteristic aromas of blackcurrant, olive, aniseed and scorched earth. The wine transports you straight to beautiful Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Rosso del Conte captivates with a burst of citrus, black cherry and grilled herbs, accompanied by hints of cedar and undergrowth. It is racy and supple, with a wave of tart wild berry and mineral tones supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2017 finishes long and persistent with a rich, primary concentration. Notes of medicinal blackberries, liquorice and cocoa linger for up to a minute. The length alone is impressive, but the 2017 will need time to fully integrate. Nevertheless, I look forward to tasting it again in four to five years." Vinous

"This historic single-vineyard blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone in 2017 is dusty, earthy and woody, with a depth of dark fruits and overtones of lavender and violet. In the mouth it's intense, ripe and spicy, combining sweetness of dried cherry with wild strawberry and black cherry. Balsamic freshness gives contrasting lift to the hefty but fine-grained tannins, while the finish is super-bright and saline with a kick of raspberry. Superb." Decanter

"A traditional blend based on Nero d'Avola Perricone and from vines that only produce a few grams, a concentrate of intensity and history. On the nose, cherries in alcohol, mentholated notes and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is dense and tight, with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Exciting and inviting nose of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, a hint of elderberries, then mint and sage, delicate hints of iron. Compact on the palate with tightly woven, savoury tannins, excellent length, slightly resinous and fruity undertone, rich in finesse and long." Falstaff

Deep crimson ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of raspberries with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Lively, crushed red berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. It closes up a little on the finish, so you can expect much more, but for now it is already irresistible. Balanced and very elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Delicate, inviting nose, lots of fruit, cherries and plums, redcurrant, backed by fresh herbs and a hint of vanilla. Harmonious and elegant on the palate, noble, silky tannins, vibrant acidity, juicy and animating until the long final." Falstaff

"Ripe strawberries with blackberries and hints of tar. Full- to medium-bodied with powerful tannins and a chewy and juicy finish. Very structured. One to age in your cellar. Still very young. Try after 2025." James Suckling

The Cru San Lorenzo, which is strictly limited in each vintage, comes from 4 hectares of vineyards in the district of the same name in the town of Randazzo. The vines are over 70 years old and grow around 750 metres above sea level; the soil consists almost exclusively of fine volcanic sand. The terroir in the small Contrada San Lorenzo was created by lava flows and deposits of volcanic origin that were formed between 60,000 and 15,000 years ago. This exceptional wine is particularly rich, fruity and has very soft tannins that make it velvety and luscious on the palate and ensure a never-ending finish. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mineral on the nose, with accents of stones, smoke and fresh earth, which merge into an expressive bouquet of ripe wild strawberries, cherry ice cream, dried thyme, graphite and fresh pepper on the full-bodied, creamy palate." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo seduces with a fragrant blend of roses, sour cherries, mandarins and a hint of cinnamon. This is pure elegance, lifted and refined, with dazzling acidity and a wave of pure, mineral fruit that crackles and pops on the palate. It is complex but truly delicious and retains its marvellous energy, even when a web of fine-grained tannins reminds the taster of its youthful state. Even today, the San Lorenzo 2021 is dreamlike and an absolute pleasure. That means the future remains very bright." Vinous

"This wine shows a very attractive, savoury character with red cherries and raspberries, accompanied by dried summer herbs, candied oranges and red spices. Also dry earth. Medium to full-bodied. Very even and seamless tannin structure. Refined and polished with a dusty earthiness that leads to a dry, delicate finish." James Suckling

"Intense, bright ruby red in colour with a brighter rim. Fragrant, compact nose, ripe fruit, strawberries and rosehips, followed by thyme and tomatoes as well as a hint of vanilla. Beguiling fruit and pronounced herbal flavours on the palate, precise and highly elegant, salty, great harmony between acidity and tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Fresh, floral and fragrant, it offers wafts of violet and lavender, cocoa, earth and black cherry. In the mouth its fine web of tannins and razor-sharp acidity provide tension for the ripe, balsamic hedgerow fruits to bounce off. Succulent and sapid with a very stony mid-palate, it displays excellent balance and depth, with incredible freshness and staying power." Decanter

Every year, one of the Tenuta's great single-vineyard wines, which represents the special terroir of the Etna hills in a highly complex way. Dark red fruit, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and the outstanding structure, length and elegance are always present! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana Vineyard shines from the moment the glass is tipped: Gravel, ash and sweet smoke give way to vibrant black cherries and autumnal spices. The 2021 Etna Rosso is elegant, silky and deeply textured, with salty mineral notes and an abundance of red and black fruits perfectly held by a core of vibrant acidity. The wine is complex yet full of energy and sultry depth, finishing salty and structured, with grippy tannins framing a lingering finish of liquorice and plums. These old vines have coped well with the dryness of the vintage, which is only evident in the hardness of the tannins. Otherwise, the 2021 is pure magic." Vinous

"This wine is more vibrant with red berries, blood oranges, light spices and a hint of terracotta. Medium-bodied, juicy and fruit-driven with tangy acidity and dusty tannins. A hint of bitter orange on the finish. Long and chalky, but now very attractive and enjoyable." James Suckling

"Brilliant ruby red colour with a brighter rim. Delicately fragrant and dynamic on the nose, with lots of floral notes, reminiscent of lavender and violets, some mint, followed by ripe rosehips and cherries. Ripe fruit and plenty of spice on the palate, compact and structured, gripping acidity and rich tannins, long, juicy final." Falstaff

"It offers a deep, full aroma of pure red and black fruits with some violet, spice, balsam and cocoa overtones. Fleshy, succulent and sapid, this is an incredibly beautiful Nerello Mascalese, with purity of red fruits underlined by some spice and stoniness, a hint of salinity and a long, silky, creamy finish. So inviting." Decanter

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 Nerosanloré 2012, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 7 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Nero d'Avola is the Nerosanloré. From a beautiful vineyard in Pacchino, the area of origin of the famous vine. Mineral, vital, ripe, elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red. Refined, highly complex aromas of blueberries, flint, exotic spices, faded flowers, cumin and cardamom. Bright, juicy and penetrating on the palate, with great mid-palate energy and a brooding quality to the very deep but currently subtle spicy red and blue fruit flavours. It rises impressively on the back palate, which is elegant and perfumed, with soft, fine-grained tannins, a restrained sweetness and a lingering flinty nuance. A remarkably deep, complex NeroSanlorè." VINOUS

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 remarkably beautiful 2022 Rosso SP68 is scented with a blend of violets, roses, white pepper and dried strawberries. The wine is pure, with sweet herbal notes accentuating the citrus-enriched wild berries and supported by vibrant acidity. The SP68 finishes with a gentle tension that caresses the cheeks, leaving a lovely hint of lavender that slowly fades." Vinous

"The SP68, named after the street that flanks the winery, is an entry-level wine made from Nero d'Avola and Frappato. It offers a taste of the winery's signature style at an affordable price and displays inviting aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, with some floral and herbal elements in the background. The ripe acidity underpins the medium-heavy core of sweet red fruits and provides a delightfully light mouthfeel with a savoury and peppery finish." Decanter

Finest brandy from the marcs of Don Antonio of Morgante, distilled by the expert of the barrique grappa Distillerie Berta in Piedmont. Amber-coloured, spicy aroma of blackcurrants, apricots and Marasca cherry with subtle spicy notes of cocoa and vanilla. Full-bodied taste with an intense finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." Wine Advocate

In the beginning, the wines from Etna led a rather shadowy existence; the great potential of the wines, some of which were produced in very small quantities, usually only delighted connoisseurs' hearts. Even today, many of the winemakers are so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic numbers. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, however, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grape early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and the undeniably high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and parcelled out in small sections at an altitude of up to 1,000 m, then led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, and in 2017/2019 they came onto the market with the red/white debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name of the Etna volcano, which the locals thus assign a distinctly feminine character. Idda Bianco 2021 is now the third vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 m above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

What we spontaneously like about the Idda Bianco is the authentic Sicilian character of its cheerful bouquet. This delightful Carricante-based white opens with cedar, citrus, orange peel and cherries. The fruit is never heavy, instead offering elegant aromatic intensity followed by pistachio and perhaps a hint of wild fennel. The volcanic identity of the wine is on full display with ashy and salty mineral hints. Our unqualified enthusiasm for its creamy texture, length and energy! SUPERIORE.DE

"Straw yellow. Ripe lemon and peach on the nose with notes of gooseberry and hints of flint and garden herbs. Citrusy peach with garden herb notes, lemon and very ripe gooseberries. Very long with concentrated ripe acidity like a lemon squeeze on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of quince and glazed lemons with dried herbs and floral undertones. Medium-bodied. So fresh and tight with a crisp, pear character and lively acidity. Lots of energy and crisp minerality." James Suckling

"The Idda 2021 Sicilia Bianco is a pure Carricante. The wine is generous and medium-bodied in texture with lots of apricot, Golden Delicious apple and quince. It feels supple on the palate, with a nice richness of fruit and citrus flavours to finish. What I like best is the richness of the mouthfeel and the long, silky sensations this volcanic white gives." Wine Advocate

"Bright straw yellow with delicate olive green reflections. Expressive nose, compact, clean, of lemon zest, orange blossom, wet stone and some cold smoke, inviting. On the palate with elegant fruit melting, balanced and harmonious, shows extremely elegant and finesse, comes in several layers." Falstaff

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 Nerosanloré 2009, which is now - in the spring of 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 10 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Nero d'Avola is the Nerosanloré. From a beautiful vineyard in Pacchino, the area of origin of the famous vine. Mineral, vital, ripe, elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the 2009 Nerosanlorè exudes sweet aromas of toasted oak and baking spices. This is a very elaborate red wine that shows the craftsmanship and work of the winemaker. The bouquet is complex with aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry compote, tobacco and lots of spices from the long oak ageing. In addition, the wine offers abundant tertiary aromas of liquorice, resin and tar. This is a very attractive red wine that brings all the power and sunshine of Sicily to your glass. At 14.5% alcohol, it has power and determination." Wine Advocate

"Notes of pureed black cherries and dates mingle with dried herbs, mocha and black olive tapenades in this juicy red wine framed by gentle tannins. Harmonious and fresh, with a lingering aniseed-flavoured finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful full ruby red. Overripe aromas of black cherries, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and sweet oak lifted by a floral top note. Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a high, liqueur-like quality to the ripe red fruits and salty bottom notes. It finishes with creamy, smooth tannins and excellent length. VINOUS

The mineral Archineri made from the ancient Carricante grape from vines at an altitude of around 900 metres is quite exquisite. With great clarity and freshness, it displays its typical flavour profile of crushed rock, apple, banana, peach and citrus fruit. Fascinatingly dense on the palate with a velvety texture, a hint of chalk and a long, complex mineral finish. Pre-Phylloxera = from old, ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium bright straw yellow with light reflections. Fine aromas of vineyard peach, mint, salted lemon and a hint of nutmeg on the nose. Very fresh and salty on the palate, straightforward and with a long final of citrus zest and fine minerality." Falstaff

"The nose is strongly characterised by citrus and stone fruit, but a subtle floral aroma adds elegance. The palate also begins citrus-driven before deeper, richer flavours of nuts, honey and herbs emerge. The salty finish brings a pleasant, unifying coolness." Wine Enthusiast

"Very pure and mineral nose, giving a stony, precise feel, almost as if you were sniffing in a quarry. Also some smoked tarragon and lemon peel. Impressive tension on the mid-palate with stimulating acidity and minerality. Pure and long. Delicious." James Suckling

This Frappato comes from the single vineyard Fossa di Lupo, from which the fruit of the Grotte Alte also comes. This is a historic single vineyard (contrada) that Arianna Occhipinti has been cultivating since 2004. The topsoil is sandy with mineral deposits that colour it partly red, partly brown. After 40 centimetres, one encounters pure limestone. The Frappato is grown there in Albarello - typical for Vittoria. The vineyard is located on the Monti Iblei, the Hyblaean Mountains in south-eastern Sicily. Around 2,600 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent medium cherry red. What a wonderful, typical and yet unexpectedly intense Frappato start! The young wine seems slightly yeasty at the beginning. In addition, there are many violet flowers such as violets and iris, but also roses, which lie over the glass like a fine perfume. Finally, there are nutty notes and black cherries as well as wild berries and a little tobacco. All this is absolutely transparent and clear, fine and fresh, yet complex and powerful. On the second day, the FL retreats more, but the elegance and the underlying power can still be sensed. Red wines outside Burgundy are rarely this fine, this transparent. Balanced between slightly acidic red fruit and a fine spicy perfume on the one hand, and a dry but ripe, precise tannin and fresh, lively acidity on the other, the Frappato seems to float lightly, and yet it is connected to the earth and the chalky soil from which it comes. This lime provides vitality and a power that one only notices in the second moment. Then it becomes clear that the FL surprises with a wonderful depth and complexity that peeks out like a second face behind the juvenile light-hearted character and surely dares to go further in the future. This Sicilian belongs on the big stage." Christoph Raffelt (originalverkorkt.de)

"One of three single-vineyard wines from Arianna Occhipinti, the 2019 Frappato Vino di Contrada FL shows sweet cherry, grilled rosemary and lingering tones of iron ore or rusty nail. This vineyard has red and dark brown soils with lots of stones. Those ferrous notes come though, and the wine closes with a clean, lean-bodied texture. Production for this organic and biodynamic wine is 2,200 bottles." Wine Advocate

Brilliant, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Spicy notes of wild berries, liquorice, flint and traces of thyme on the nose. Beguiling extract sweetness on the palate, with a juicy and racy freshness and fine, tight tannins. Fine salty components on the final, already very polished and supple with further interesting ageing potential. Around 4,000 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Captivating minerals, white pepper, mezcal, orange peel and a wild, sulphurous flavour. Really juicy and broad on the palate with firm, powdery tannins that dissolve in the long, savoury finish." James Suckling

"The nose is full of bright, energetic notes of cherry, strawberry and blood orange, but undertones of sage and pencil shavings provide depth and nuance. On the palate, a crackle of pepper unveils the bitterness of the orange notes, while textured tannins and bright acid bolster the citrus sourness." Wine Enthusiast

This Frappato comes from the historic single vineyard Pettineo, which lies beyond the Serra San Bartolo. The topsoil is sandy with a depth of 50 to 60 centimetres. After that, limestone is found. Originally, the Frappato, which is now about 60 years old, stood there in Albarello vines, then the previous owner raised them in wire frames, where they grew very tall. Around 2,600 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent dark cherry red. In contrast to the other two Cotradas, the PT is currently the fruitiest. Sweet cherries, sour cherries and plums are accompanied by sweet yeast dough and light tobacco. Nevertheless, the wine is by no means cloying or overripe, but consistently fine and elegant. The etherealness, which can also be found in the other two Contradas, is also present here. The Vino di Contrada PT is highly present from the first moment. There is a lot of juiciness at play and also a pleasant pressure on the palate. Like the other two Frappatos, the PT is extremely elegant and transparent, almost cool and crystal clear like a white wine, but then again equipped with a silky and striking tannin. When people talk about almost Burgundian elegance in Sicilian wines, they are actually always talking about Nerello Mascalese from Etna. When you have this Frappato in your glass, Sicilian elegance can be redefined. Here it meets a sour cherry fruitiness and the already mentioned impressive clarity and precision." Christoph Raffelt (originalverkorkt.de)

"With fruit from 60-year-old vines, the Arianna Occhipinti 2019 Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with 2,200 bottles made) reveals a bright and very lifted bouquet with dried cherry skin, wild rose, cast iron and grilled herb. The wine shows medium-weight texture and fine tannins that feel especially integrated in this wine from the Contrada Pettineo. This site has reddish sand soils with a layer of tuffaceous rock." Wine Advocate

Contrada Rampante with a finely woven bouquet of dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with a memorable blend of ethereal sweetness, delicate acidity and an interesting salty note. A contemplative wine that requires a certain amount of experience and patience in order to fully discover itself and its deliciousness. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante has an almost sweet bouquet with fragrant roses, candied almonds and wild berries. The wine is lean and taut in texture and finishes with fine tannins and subtle mineral nuances. The vines are planted at 850 metres above sea level and in this case, too, they are old plants from before the phylloxera plague. Only 4,000 bottles were released." Wine Advocate

"Dark and brooding, the 2019 Etna Rosso Rampante evolves slowly, with crushed ash stone and savoury grilled herbs balancing the dried black cherries. It's silky and refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and black fruit carried by vibrant acidity. A hint of sour citrus adds a pleasing punctuation towards the finish. Although the 2019 is only slightly tannic, it finishes with a youthful tension. A hint of primary concentration and a bitter hint of blackberry linger throughout. The power of the Rampante is on full display here, but you need patience to savour it." Vinous

"Full of ripe wild strawberry and black cherry scents. The palate is muscular but with a beautifully tight and mineral mid-palate, fresh and energetic, showcasing ripe blueberry and a hint of chocolate on the long finish." Decanter

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 Nerosanloré 2010, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 9 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Bright red. Precise, brooding aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, cinnamon, lavender and violets, complicated by iodine and earth. Silky and juicy with a refined but very concentrated extract that tantalises the taste buds but remains lively and not at all heavy, adding lovely definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a fascinating fragrance in the mouth and extreme finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fully saturated ruby. Pure, very deep aromas of black cherry, red plum, medicinal herbs and minerals. Rich, dense and suave, with complex flavors of saline red berries and dark plum complicated by repeating botanical herb and balsamic nuances. Finishes seamless an long. A wine of noteworthy purity, with an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. This is Gulfi's closest vineyard to the sea and almost always gives the estate's most elegant, refined wine." Vinous

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegance. A very refined bouquet of redcurrants and wild berries, with a hint of dog rose, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, flavoursome and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, there are aromas of undergrowth, scorched earth and cedar wood together with a hint of blue flowers and Mediterranean herbs. Powerful and straightforward, the elegantly structured palate offers hints of dried cherry and liquorice. Taut, fine-grained tannins give it grip." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright and vibrant red colour with fresh red berries and some dry mineral notes. Medium body with a firm grip and firm tannins. Crisp finish. As always, a good introduction to Etna Rosso." James Suckling

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Archineri, made from Nerello Mascalese from old vines from before the phylloxera plague, shows a beautiful balance with wild fruits, sour cherry, rosemary, lavender and crushed volcanic rock. The wine is relatively lean in texture, but also shows a distinct tannic structure and power." Wine Advocate

"This is a fresh and elegant expression of Mascalese with an almost balsamic quality allied to black cherry and pepper. There's a touch of chocolate on the finish, while fine tannins lend their support throughout." Decanter

Bright ruby red colour. Fine bouquet with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, savoury herbs and flint. Then rich and ripe in the mouth, with harmonious, peppery acidity that gives the red and black fruit flavours lift and support. Very complex in the further course, with enormous juiciness and the power and persistence for a very respectable finish and a long life. Only 1,200 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, there are mainly aromas of earth, tar, undergrowth and soy sauce, but also tart fruit notes that add a certain spiciness. On the palate, a pinch of salt and pepper as well as strong tannins and acidity ensure that both the slightly metallic earthiness and the tart fruit elements develop into a multi-layered tapestry." Wine Enthusiast

"Pale to medium ruby-garnet colour. Very mineral nose with gravel, iron, some bitter orange, wild herbs and savoury berries. Huge tannins and high acidity on an austere palate with a full body and a mineral finish. Lots of tension here and yet elegant. A mineral and rather Barolo-like Etna Rosso." James Suckling

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

"Features fine-grained tannins that create a lightly grippy, defined frame for a plush, juicy range of baked damson plum and black cherry fruit, ground coffee, violet, sage and star anise flavors. Medium- to full-bodied and well-knit, with minerally accents of iron and smoke on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Berry fruit with flavours of dark tobacco and lead pencil, leading into a medium body and a juicy finish. Straightforward and taut tannins." James Suckling

"The Maroccoli 2019 is impossible to miss. It blossoms in the glass with a mentholated blend of dried strawberry, dusty rose and autumnal spice. Its style is elegant and racy, with cooling minerality and lively acidity lifting its dark red berry fruit. A layer of fine tannins gives it a youthful composure, while nuances of red plums and inner earth tones slowly fade away. The Maroccoli, a single varietal Syrah, is beautiful but suitable for cellaring. Leave it for two to three years to achieve the best effect." Vinous