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 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

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

Deep ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Dense and intense aroma of red fruits with notes of leather, earth, spices and minerals, with a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. Full-bodied on the palate, well-defined tannins supported by a dense structure, leading to a long-lasting and very smooth final. A Bordeaux blend in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Burdese is a straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) that doesn't impose. The wine is soft on the palate with medium-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plum, soft earth and leather. The tannins are immediate and soft." Wine Advocate

"This Bordeaux blend shows berries, fresh herbs such as parsley and a hint of vanilla. It has a medium to full body with medium round tannins and a juicy finish. Very enjoyable now, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Dusty dried flowers, crushed rock, graphite and red plums form a dark, seductive bouquet when the 2018 Burdese reveals itself in the glass. The palate is lapped by soft textures contrasted by a core of tart wild berries. Mineral tones slowly saturate. A web of fine tannins lends it youthful composure, nicely balanced by a hint of sour citrus, while the 2018 tapers off for a long time and yet displays wonderful balance." Vinous

"The nose is dark and rich, yet also layered and subtle, with both heavy aromas of petrol and tar and juicier notes of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate. The figs and chocolate carry the palate, though wild herbs and bitter orange give buoyancy. Tannins are unyielding, while acid is more discreet but still perceptible." Wine Enthusiast

Sparkling ruby. Earthy notes, some truffle, pomegranate, then lots of blackberry. Round and supple in the attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, coated with sweet melting, mineral-salty hints in the final, raspberry, some black tea and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Crushed cherry with hints of exotic spice, wildflowers and iodine hints. Suave red fruit with supple acidity tied together by finely ground tannins. Closes up - indicating there is more to come." Jancis Robinson

"This red made with 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio opens with aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, pressed violet, scorched soil and camphor notes. Boasting a depth of flavors as well as weightless finesse, the savory, firm palate features juicy morello cherry, black raspberry, star anise, orange zest and licorice. Taut fine-grained tannins give the finish an edge." Wine Enthusiast

"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo shows lifted and nice vertical intensity in a vintage that was not always easy across the board. Carefully selected fruit from the Feudo di Mezzo site appears to have overcome the challenges of summer rain and heat. This pretty Etna red reveals aromas of wild berry, plum, candied orange peel and a sprinkling of white pepper. Some volcanic smoke and campfire ash also come into play. The wine shows good intensity on the palate, with dry but integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

This 100% Grillo comes from a vineyard located 490 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, oaks and centuries-old olive trees. The soil of Contrada Santa Margherita consists of sandy calcareous marl of a whitish colour and yellowish-white calcarenite, all marine sediments dating back to the Pleistocene. These soils of the Monti Iblei at the foot of the small municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi give the wine an impressive complexity and saltiness.

A wild and yet highly seductive bouquet of spiced citrus fruits. Then add some smoke and a hint of undergrowth and you have a great white wine from Etna. Softly textured and thoroughly flavoursome on the palate, with young peach accompanied by lively acidity and a hint of sour lemon. It leaves a hint of minerality, along with notes of ginger and tangerine, while finishing with impressive length and concentration. It's hard to put this glass down. SUPERIORE.DE

"Boasting an intense golden colour, this 100% Grillo from Contrada Santa Margherita mixes Sicilian exuberance with Chablis-like crispness and minerality. Twelve months ageing in large oak casks adds a touch of sweet spice to golden apple, lanolin, and acacia honey, while iodine and flint echo in the background. Laser-like acidity is seamlessly interwoven through a viscous mid-palate, making for an uncommon combination of textural depth and tension. It finishes long and slightly tactile, with sappy minerals allied to dried fruits and cinnamon." Decanter

Intense and enveloping fragrance pleasure of blackberry and dark fruits and cocoa. On the palate, memorable, sturdy fruit and taut tannins give this Merlot its unique elegance. Pleasantly round, long and with traces of mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum

"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter

"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark sensual fruit bouquet. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, of remarkable intensity on the palate until the lingering final. A muscular and weightless wine at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining cherry red with ruby. Small strawberries, redcurrants, juniper berries, slightly loamy, leather spice and black tea on the nose. Builds up lively, with nice pressure, finely woven tannin, very finesse, nevertheless gripping in the back, tactile mineral notes, finishes on a fine salty character." Falstaff

"Scarce medium ruby red. Peppery nose of red fruits, cherry, rhubarb and raspberry with a spicy undertone and hints of oak and tobacco leaf. Wonderful depth and concentration on the palate, with a layer of fine-grained tannins. Real intensity on the finish. A cool climate spirit, despite its 15% alcohol." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) exudes a dark blend of black cherry and shaved cedar in a hint of ashy smoke. It is round and soothingly textured, with cooling acidity enlivening the mineral red berries and a hint of brown spice. The finish has a mentholated freshness, while the silty tannins linger, leaving the mouth wanting more. It will need minimal ageing to be at its best. The Chiappemacine site is at an altitude of 550 metres and consists of a thin layer of volcanic soils over a limestone bed." Vinous

"Fragrant spice and cedar notes waft from the glass of this graceful red wine, accentuating the finely knit flavours of pureed raspberry, rose and liquorice, matched by slightly chalky tannins that firm up the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada C shows a sweet side with wild cherry and raspberry. Those primary notes are framed by ashy volcanic notes, crushed stone and wildflower. You also get hints of grilled rosemary and dried lavender. Compared to the other single-vineyard wines in this series, Contrada C has a sweeter, slightly more accessible personality. But the tight tannins and streamlined fruit weight promise good aging potential." Wine Advocate

"Weightless, concentrated and delicious, with aromas of camphor, wild berries, rose and wet stone. The full-bodied palate offers crushed raspberries, wild strawberries, cinnamon and star anise before an almost salty finish. Supple tannins provide finesse and polished grip." Wine Enthusiast

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just medium ruby and youthful. Captivating, stony, mineral raspberry nose. Brooding depth, sweetly perfumed. Racy cherry and raspberry, with coated tannins clinging to the fruit. Still dense, a little embryonic and super-elegant." Jancis Robinson

"A silky, harmonious red wine with pleasantly juicy aromas of soaked cherries and strawberries, fresh, loamy earth and accents of tangerine peel and ground pepper. Hints of tar and herbs show on the crisp finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Contrada Guardiola (G) rises from the glass in classic form: dark, smoky, ashy even, with a burst of spiced black cherries that evolve with flattery. It impresses with a core of salty minerality and bright acids before releasing its ripe red fruits and inner rose tones. The 2019 retains its amazing energy while becoming structured and tastily rejuvenated, with hints of sage and fresh plums lingering. The Guardiola is a selection of old vines from the vineyard, growing between 800 and 1,000 metres above sea level." Vinous

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada G is elegant and tight with varietal tones of wild berry, black rose, iron ore and spent ember. The wine is streamlined and elegant in texture with firm tannins and some powdery dustiness on the close." Wine Advocate

"This magnificent red wine shows its Etna ancestry and is full of finesse. It has inviting aromas of camphor, crushed red berries, blue flowers and Mediterranean scrub. The palate is full-bodied but with an almost weightless elegance. It offers raspberry compote, ripe strawberries and baking spices, as well as a mineral note that gives it depth. Enveloping, polished tannins offer supple support, while fresh acidity provides balance. It's already showing beautifully, so there's no need to wait." Wine Enthusiast

The noble version of Nero d'Avola in impenetrable dense ruby red. The fragrance is enveloping with sweet and ripe, yet not "cooked" fruity hints, balsamic and floral nuances of violets, which final with hints of tobacco. The taste presents itself with great structure and distinct individuality. The balance of the soft tannins, which are perfectly integrated into the alcoholic component, and the long finish are also convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"The magnificent product of Tenuta Contessa Entellina, a blend of red grapes with a high percentage of Nero d'Avola with great impact on the palate, cornelian cherry on the nose, with notes of cinnamon and orange peel, density and tension on the palate, spicy tannins and a fruity and spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"Attractive red and darker berry character with dark liquorice, aged citrus peel and damp earth. Full and complex with firm tannins framing the dark and blue fruit. A chalky, mineral backbone adds structure and length, leading to a deep and long finish." James Suckling

"Hauntingly dark and spicy, the 2019 Mille e Una Notte opens with a burst of mentholated herbs, cloves, shaved cedar and crushed blackberries. It's seamlessly silky and elegant throughout. Textural waves of ripe red and black fruits ride a core of vibrant acidity, leaving balsam herbal tones, cocoa and fine-grained tannins in their wake. The 2019 finishes dramatically long and structured, with a twang of tart red plums and sage. This is a radiant yet powerful rendition of Mille e Una Notte, which will benefit from and demand cellaring." Vinous

"The Mille e una Notte 2019 is a blend of Nero d'Avola, Petit Verdot, Syrah and other complementary grapes. Tasted quite young, this wine needs more age and certainly another year or two in bottle. The oak spice needs more time to meld with the beautiful dark fruits of this classic vintage. The bouquet reveals black cherries, spices and baking chocolate. The concentration is medium-rich and the texture is velvety." Wine Advocate

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium ruby red. Deeper nose than the Contrada C with fragrant, concentrated raspberries and hints of crushed black pepper and stones. A racy acidity permeates the spicy-sweet raspberry fruit. Very firm but polished tannic framework that finishes in a chewy raspberry finish. Firm structure." Jancis Robinson

"A dusty and inviting blend of dried roses and cherries is contrasted by hints of ash and smoke as the 2019 Contrada Porcaria (P) blossoms in the glass. It is undeniably elegant, with a velvety texture that lays over the medium-bodied wine, delivering mineral red berry and sweet herbal tones that arch across the palate. It is lightly textured with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks, but the mouthfeel leaves you wanting more as the pomegranate and plum notes slowly fade away. The Porcaria vineyard sits at 650 metres above sea level, with soils that Passopisciaro describes as "a fragile layer of lava that shatters underfoot". Give this beauty another year to come into its own." Vinous

"Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint and wild berries mingle with dark spice. On the full-bodied palate, bright acidity lifts raspberry compote, liquorice, slate and blood orange. Taut, polished tannins give grip while the warmth of the alcohol lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight-knit red wine that, despite its dense tannic framework, has a lush texture thanks to aromas and flavours of steeped black raspberries and cherries, wild sage, singed orange peel and red liquorice. The wine has good tension, focus and freshness, but the fruit and spice palette and smoky minerality will only fully develop with more time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada P shows more concentration and fruit weight compared to some of the other wines in this series of single-vineyard wines. Blackcurrant and dried cherry segue to cola, spice and some lingering balsam herb. The tannins are also tighter here, and this wine has more power and extract all around." Wine Advocate

Initially, 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. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017/2019 with the red/white debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, which the locals thus assign a clearly feminine character. Idda Bianco 2022 is now the fourth vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

What we immediately like about Idda Bianco is the authentic Sicilian character of its cheerful bouquet. This marvellous Carricante-based white opens with cedar wood, citrus fruits, orange peel and cherries. The fruit is never heavy, but instead offers an elegant aromatic intensity, followed by pistachio and perhaps a hint of wild fennel. The wine's volcanic identity comes into its own with ashy and salty mineral hints. Our unreserved enthusiasm for its creamy texture, length and energy! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Bianco convinces with the combination of the velvety quality of the vineyards in the south of the volcano and the salty-mineral character of the soils, its precise nose and length." Vinum

"It has a fine, smoky, flinty nose with hints of peach, mango and white flowers. In the mouth it is intense and vertical, with juicy succulence and great acidity that defines its edges. It is finely structured and tangy, with flavours of peach, citrus peel, honey, lime juice and white flowers, finishing with a gentle stoniness." Decanter

"Sparkling and bright with green pear and lemon slices. Honeysuckle. Medium body with brightness and intensity of fruit. A hint of sea salt." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco is pleasing in many ways. It captivates with its unexpected richness of fruit, combining young peaches and apricots with white flowers and almond paste. It is round and smooth, but with an amazing mix of candied lime and salty minerals in the foreground, creating a contrast. Sweet florals on the inside complement the ripe stone fruits. The 2022 cleans beautifully, long and with a saline flair, while finishing crisp, full of tension yet delicious." Vinous

The grapes for this fine white wine from the north side of Mount Etna come from the 3-hectare Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeleton-rich and pH-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is matured in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus fruit. The mineral notes such as gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a very fresh and lively white wine with flavours of lime zest, stones, lemon peel, mussels and herbs. Medium body with bright acidity. Textured finish." James Suckling

"This elegant white shows fine knit, layering sleek acidity with flavors of star fruit and persimmon, Marcona almond and quince paste, plus accents of chamomile and white pepper. The finish is driven by a rich underpinning of salty minerality." Wine Spectator

"This 2021 is the second vintage from Graci's Contrada Muganazzi, located in Passopisciaro and made from the estate's youngest vines. Aromatic summer meadow, lemon, peach and apple lead to a very flavoursome, stony palate with juicy peach, orange zest and a waxy character on the finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Bianco Muganazzi is the star among the white wines in the Graci portfolio. The wine offers a nice texture with mild creaminess and good complexity. You get candied lemon, honey and pastry cream, and of course there is gravel and volcanic ash to make an ever more interesting wine. This is a light-coloured white wine from a purely volcanic area. Give it a little more time to develop." Wine Advocate

Sparkling wine aged on the lees in bottle fermentation from 100% Nerello grapes from high altitudes on the southern slopes of Mount Etna. The vines are between 10 and 20 years old and are trained in the cordon system with spur pruning. They stand on sandy, volcanic mineral-rich soils.

Fine salmon pink with ruby reflections. Restrained, fine perlage, intense and delicate bouquet of red fruits. Firm, dry, medium-bodied on the palate, supported by a well-proportioned acidity, with a subtle tannin streak on the finish. Vibrantly fresh and highly distinctive! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries and savory herbs mingle with nuances of cracked chalk as the 2019 Brut Rosato Metodo Classico Lamorèmio opens in the glass. This washes across the palate with a silken bead of bubbles as pretty inner rose and notes of sour cherry collect toward the close. The 2019 tapers off potent and long, leaving nuances of licorice and a caking of salty minerality. The Lamorèmio, a varietal Nerello Mascalese in sparkling form, is a total pleasure to taste." Vinous

Initially, 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. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017 with the debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, to which the locals ascribe a clearly feminine character. Idda Rosso 2018 is now the second vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

Typical ruby red colour with a matt sheen. Well-defined and clean on the nose, with notes of cherry, small, mostly red fruits and a subtle, delicate spiciness. Fresh on the palate, opens wide and finishes with a spicy note and considerable length. The tannins, very well extracted, delicately caress the palate. A wine full of elegance and harmony, with pronounced terroir typicity and recognisable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Idda 2020 Etna Rosso, the result of the famous joint venture between Gaja and Graci, shows itself in the glass with a deep ruby-red intensity and a lively appearance. The bouquet reveals aromas of dried cherries, blue flowers, ashes from the campfire and grilled rosemary. These are joined by vegetal and floral notes as well as the volcanic flavours that are always characteristic of Etna's red wines. On the palate, the wine is slender and elegant with a nice tannic tension. It is firm without being bitter or powdery." Wine Advocate

"This 2020 is ever-so-slightly smoky with a lovely ripe, fresh scent of plum, cherry and red hedgerow berries. It has a tart attack of wild red fruits, forming the spearhead of a vertical palate which remains bright and tangy yet with a deft softness and suppleness of plum, strawberry and black cherry. Balsamic, stony and mineral, it finishes with a breezy, herbal waft and palate-refreshing acidity which lingers for minutes." Decanter

"Brilliant ruby red with a delicately brightening garnet rim. Expressive nose of raspberries and ripe currants, with fine blood orange, wet stone and some cold smoke. Polished on the palate with a creamy texture, juicy, racy, vibrant, fiery final with slightly perceptible alcohol, long." Falstaff

"Perfumed nose of red berries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts and smoke. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and round with a silky texture on the mid-palate and volume on the concentrated, long finish. It really grows on the palate. Better after 2024." James Suckling

Alongside Fragore, Etna-Cru Donnafugata, named after the Contrada Marchesa vineyard of the same name, is Donnafugata's second top wine from the volcano. Its label is adorned with a volcano goddess decorated with flowers and fruit, next to which is the medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia. The Nerello vines grow on a lava soil rich in minerals, and the location to the north of the volcano ensures temperate summers with strong temperature fluctuations between day and night.

This single-varietal Nerello presents itself in a light ruby red colour and reveals a generous bouquet of small red berries, spicy notes (cinnamon and black pepper) and undergrowth, followed by balsamic nuances and a delicate mineral vein. On the palate, in addition to its structure, the indescribable balance, convincing freshness and ultra-fine tannins are a delight. This great wine glides aristocratically and full of elegance into a deep finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a sensual aroma of forest fruits with notes of smoke and sandalwood; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, juicy, compact texture, balanced and long final. Combines character and length." Vinum

"A wine that expresses ripe cherries and raspberries with intense, dusty tannins, earthy depth and a very vertical, mineral palate." Decanter

"The Donnafugata 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Marchesa offers obvious oak spice, especially at this early stage, and the wine will certainly need more time in bottle, even just another year, to develop. There is dark fruit and blackcurrant, but also cinnamon and sweet nutmeg. The finish is dense and structured." Wine Advocate

Arianna Occhipinti: "The skins of the Frappato are thick and fragrant, which is why I thought of a grappa made from this grape. The rest is the careful work of Giovanni La Fauci, master distiller in Valdina, Messina."

The selected marc for this crystal clear grappa comes from Frappato di Vittoria grapes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo. Precise on the nose with floral-spicy notes. Aristocratic on the palate with a full-bodied confirmation of the aromas. SUPERIORE.DE