Wines from Sicily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some say that this wine is the most typical example of Arianna Occhipinti's pure yet impressive style. Its intensity and purity are also unmistakable in this current edition. Grotte Alte is bursting with fresh cherry, raspberry, wild rose, balsam herb and a hint of iron ore or rusty nails. The fruit blend is equal parts Nero d'Avola and Frappato and the result shows impeccable balance and graceful composure. On the palate, the wine is pleasantly lean, but there is still enough texture and richness to allow for a long, silky finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bit shier than the vini di contrada in this phase, anise, sandalwood and a Burgundian whiff of animal musk superimposed over earthy red cherries and red roses. Layered but youthfully tight, blood orange and savoury minerals take centre stage, followed by pinpoint tannins and a touch of stemmy herbal freshness, while a kiss of oak spice frames the long and racy finish." Decanter

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy aroma of black cherry and plum, mint and a little graphite accompany the fruit. It also shows juice and power on the palate, dark cherries are structured by a grippy tannin. The acidity gives the wine a lot of freshness. The grapes for the wine come from 80 to 120 year old vines." Vinum

"The Etna Rosso Passorosso 2020 has a bright and powerful bouquet with blackcurrants, rosemary sprigs, white pepper, cola and ferrous earth or rusty nails. The bouquet has a sanguine, almost metallic note. As it progresses, the wine shows medium texture, firm tannins and good length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Passorosso is spicy and shows dried flowers, hints of cardamom and white pepper before the dusty cherry fruit comes to the fore. Soft and enveloping, it impresses with a pure blend of red fruits and inner rose tones accompanied by cooling acidity. It finishes lightly structured with a bitter aftertaste of concentrated sour cherries. While the Passorosso is typically a more forward expression, the 2020 could do with another year in the cellar before showing its best. Nevertheless, it is a very nice wine with a lot of potential." Vinous

Planeta's famous Chardonnay is certified organic from the 2022 vintage and exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, these intense flavours are paired with a delicate melting texture, fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of wood spice, vanilla and praline with lemon zest and ripe pineapple. Bright and creamy on the palate with a full body and a flavourful, spicy finish. Needs time to balance the wood. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose is savory but also floral, with undertones of herbs and of syrupy yet tart fruit, from cooked apples to dried pineapple. On the palate, rich flavors of lemon and almond paste both bolster and balance a more potent note of pineapple, before a lightly bitter finish." Wine Enthusiast

Gulfi's top Pinò is a pure expression of Pinot Nero from Etna. When the Etna appellation began its rise about ten years ago, many producers committed themselves to growing the Burgundian grape variety on the charred slopes of this mighty volcano. Significant plantings of Pinot Nero never occurred, however, as many winemakers opted instead for the autochthonous Nerello Mascalese grape variety. Gulfi remains faithful to Pinot Nero on Etna, the grapes for Pinò come from 800 metres above sea level on the northern slope of the volcano.

It opens with a dark saturated colour and heavy aromas of dried cherries and cassis, plus a hint of floral notes. Its mouthfeel is polished and fresh, on the palate Pinò shows all the characteristics of a lean, compact but very intense wine that has plenty of tension and energy. Its slightly bitter note, a combination of cherry pits and sour citrus fruits, lasts until the tense final. Ultimately, this wine is more an expression of the Etna than the grape variety, its proud yet joyful personality making it irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Pinò, or Pinot Noir, is much darker in the glass that you might anticipate. It delivers masses of ripe black cherries and sweet autumnal spice, all engulfed in an air of crushed-stone minerality. The textures are silky, cast upon a medium-bodied frame, with tart cherry and balsam herbs energized by brisk acidity. Notes of licorice and rich plum sauce linger as this tapers off with a delicate feel. The Pinò hails from the northern slope of Etna, with vines planted in 2008 at 800 meters of elevation." Vinous

"An excellent pinot noir from Sicily? Yes! The wild-strawberry and sour-cherry nose pulls you into this ripe yet elegant red that's very silky, in spite of the healthy tannins that anchor it at the deep, dark finish. Plenty of life ahead of it!" James Suckling

"The organic Gulfi 2016 Pinò gives us a good look at Pinot Noir cultivated on the volcanic soils of Etna at an impressive 850 meters above sea level where solar luminosity is aplenty but average temperatures are cooler. With a restrained 13% alcohol content, this wine delivers elegant and lean fruit weight with steady aromas of cassis, wild cherry and summer rose. The wine's overall personality remains subdued and true to the grape with plenty of fresh berry fruit spread over a lean and crisp mouthfeel. The results are terrific in this 3,000-bottle release that should hold firm to the 10-year mark and beyond. Despite these extreme growing conditions, this wine remains elegant and pure." Wine Advocate

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage.

Just 2,000 bottles are filled each year. The vines, which are over 80 years old, produce an extremely low yield, making the result all the more complex and multi-layered. Fine salinity, light-coloured stone fruit and a well-measured extract sweetness flow from the glass. A good structure on the palate, the acidity and noticeable minerality support the subtle flavours of white peach and grapefruit. The finish is smoky with a nice salty note. It is at its best at 12° and will be even better in a few years! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dusty white peach and orange peel scents are mirrored in the mouth, with some grapefruit, earth and wood tones. There's good intensity, and some ripe pineapple and floral notes emerge on the mid-palate before a fresh, lip-smacking salty finish. Delicious." Decanter

"An attractive wine with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, white flowers, stones and ash. Medium-bodied, multi-layered and complex, but at the same time lively and fresh. Juicy and exciting with a savoury, slightly phenolic and mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Etna Bianco San Lorenzo is shy in the glass and slowly awakens with a flavoursome blend of young peaches accompanied by grapefruit, rosemary and wet stone. The wine is very structured, silky and supple, with a depth of green apple and melon that soothes the senses. A saline note emerges on the finish, while the 2022 cleanses beautifully, leaving a mentholated freshness as the mango notes fade. The San Lorenzo is an absolute charmer and aims to please." Vinous

"With only a few vintages under his belt, Giuseppe Russo has created a beautiful top-class white wine from Etna. I tasted this sample about a month after bottling, and at this young stage the bouquet is very centred on citrus and salty minerals. But if you look beyond these two aromatic pillars, the wine reveals subtle layers of green apple, quince, pear and saffron. It shows a shy but compelling complexity." Wine Advocate

Just around 2,000 bottles of this noble Riserva are filled each year. With an abundance of aromas of black berries, balsamic nuances and spices as well as the expansive taste - full and clear - this great wine brings together finesse, elegance and softness in an excellent way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cottanera's 2015 Etna Rosso Riserva Zottorinoto offers a beautiful level of purity and sharpness, with plenty of the electric energy and tightness you should expect of a great wine from Etna. This vintage offers some extra ripeness with fruity tones that veer toward plum and black cherry. But those fruit tones are reigned back by the defined mineral backbone of the wine that cedes to campfire ash and scorched earth. The 2015 fruit is a bit looser and thicker altogether. This wine should come together beautifully with a few more years of bottle aging. Only 1,900 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from vines over 20 years old, planted by Diego Planeta, and is simply stunning, delicious and unforgettable. Outstanding aromas of sensual dark fruits, some leather and tobacco. Explosive, penetrating and powerful on the palate, but at the same time seamless and silky smooth. The tannin management is excellent. This is a wine to keep in the cellar - provided you have a certain amount of self-control. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby with purple colour. Gentle and inviting on the nose, cassis, elderberries, cold smoke, precious wood, stony tones on the finish. Tightly meshed on the palate, polished, with clearly defined fruit, comes in many layers, black berries on the final, with rich pressure in the aftertaste, outstanding." Falstaff

"I like the currant and fresh and dried herb character here. It’s medium-bodied with bright fruit and a chewy, juicy finish. Needs a couple of years to soften but very varietal." James Suckling

"The 2018 Cabernet Franc Didacus is very seductive, with a peppery bloom of spices and flowers that fade into soaked plums and cloves. It is silky smooth and more elegant than previous vintages, with tart raspberry and sour cherry flavours accompanied by earthy tones and a hint of citrus. The 2018 is powerful and colourful, yet its tannins are chalky and sweet, creating a structured yet inviting final. This is an incredibly beautiful and deeply satisfying interpretation of Didacus Cabernet Franc." Vinous

The second vintage of the red counterpart to Didacus Chardonnay impressively reflects the Planeta family's vision: elegance and tradition, family and future. This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from vines over 20 years old, planted by Diego Planeta, and is simply stunning, delicious and unforgettable. Outstanding aromas of sensual dark fruits, some leather and tobacco. Explosive, penetrating and powerful on the palate, but at the same time seamless and silky smooth. The tannin management is excellent. This is a wine to keep in the cellar - provided you have a certain amount of self-control. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Cabernet Franc Didacus is dark, deep and intense, with vaulted blue flowers giving way to an abundance of redcurrant, plum and liquorice. It is silky with a dense wave of mineral black fruit supported by a core of motivating acidity that lifts the expression beautifully. Leaving behind tart wild berries and a hint of mocha on a layer of sweet tannins, it comes across as structured but also remarkably fresh. The heat of the vintage pushed up the volume of the 2017 Cabernet Franc Didacus, and while more classic vintages will likely overtake it in the cellar over time, the balance here is beautiful." Vinous

"Intense aromas of pepper on the nose - from red bell to cracked black pepper - join raw meat with macerated cherries and crushed stones. The palate has more cherries and strawberries with roasted peppers and unmistakeably Sicilian tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"An elegant red, medium- to full-bodied and tightly meshed, with a sense of restraint to the integration of sculpted tannins, revealing aromas and flavors of cassis, black tea leaf, fig cake and iron. Long and fresh, expanding on the creamy palate and showing good potential for the cellar." Wine Spectator

Didacus Chardonnay comes from the first vines planted on the shores of Lake Ulm in 1985. It is dedicated to the founder of the winery, Diego Planeta, and represents the history of the winery as well as elegance, tradition, family and the future. It also embodies Planeta's vision of Sicilian viticulture at the highest level.

This incredibly complex white wine comes from the best grapes from just 4 hectares of Chardonnay vineyards, all of which are hand-selected, pressed and fermented in barriques. With just 6,996 bottles, this wine is hand-picked and distributed to the best importers and restaurants worldwide. Straw yellow in colour with golden reflections. Delicate aromas of herbs, white stone fruit, lychee and a hint of vanilla. Very complex in structure, needs further bottle ageing before it reveals all its elegance and minerality in a superbly long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for COS' new flagship wine come from vines over 45 years old and are fermented spontaneously on the skins, using only the naturally occurring yeasts. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Bastonaca 2019 seduces with a delightful, pink-coloured bouquet reminiscent of wild strawberries, cloves and fresh mint. It is soft and gentle, with lively acidity and a core of lively ripe cherries and berries. It leaves a lovely aftertaste of red liquorice and a hint of spice and finishes remarkably fresh. The 2019 is delicious." Vinous

"This bottling is sourced from the estate's best parcels in the Bastonaca area of Vittoria. It offers up an inviting fragrance of dried and fresh red and black cherries, before diving into a sapid, super-fresh palate displaying wonderful dark cherry, pomegranate and wild strawberry flavours. There's some grip in the background, and a long finish. Wow! Such energy." Decanter

"Extremely perfumed with cherries, flowers and cement. Tantalising. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins that spread across the palate. Beautiful length and beauty." James Suckling

"Here's a wine I haven't seen for many years. The organic COS 2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Contrada della Bastonaca is a blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato. It has a medium-dark appearance with floral aromas of rose, candied lilac, sour cherry and unripe plums. The wine is very fresh and tangy with a nice mineral theme that gives it focus and definition." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strong, bright ruby red. This one hundred percent Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its rich, fruity-spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, warm taste of ripe berry fruit, the fine spiciness and the noble tannin inspire us very much. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose fragrance of rose hips, cranberries and blood oranges, paired with liquorice and cocoa. Fresh on the palate, with pithy, well-integrated tannin, slightly salty in the long finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of red and black cherry, baked strawberry and charred rosemary. Medium–to full–bodied with silky tannins. Slightly tangy acidity plays well with the nicely ripened red and black fruit. There’s richness to the palate here, but it remains focused and not overdone. Lovely salinity mixes with notes of ash and dried orange peel. Layered." James Suckling

Aged in the cellars for over 25 years, this magnificent amber-style Riserva pours from the bottle with amber intensity. This rare Marsala offers tremendous intensity with a bouquet strong with maple syrup, roasted chestnuts, brown sugar, caramel, dried figs, porcini mushrooms and spicy tobacco. In the mouth, you can feel the alcohol content, but this warmth is wonderfully absorbed by the fleshy intensity and richness of the texture. This wine is a quarter of a century old, but thanks to all the ageless fruit, it hides its age very well. This is a rather atypical "wine", but one that offers a terrific insight into one of Sicily's most important wine traditions. SUPERIORE.DE

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage.

San Lorenzo, named after the Roman deacon and martyr, boasts irresistible aromas of red cherry, marzipan, quinine, blood orange and mineral stones. Excellently nuanced on the palate with polished tannins, remarkable length and great elegance. San Lorenzo from Etna - a commitment and one of many examples of the fact that the red wines from Etna can certainly hold their own with the finely elegant representatives of Nebbiolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"Balsamic red fruits mingle with sweet black berries and black cherries, with some strawberry, cherry and pomegranate coming through on the mid-palate. Fine, grainy tannins support the fruit, while some dried fruits and more balsam take centre stage on the long, fresh finish." Decanter

"Subtle notes of ripe red berries, such as cherries and strawberries, with hints of lilac, red spices and crushed stones. Also some blood orange. Medium-bodied, polished and even on the palate with supple tannins that have a dusty texture. Juicy acidity and a crisp, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso San Lorenzo 2021 is a very exciting wine with lots of energy and vigour. It opens with a lean, concentrated body and a bright ruby red colour. The wine displays a long array of wild fruit and small berry flavours, underpinned by crushed white pepper and crushed stone. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna. I highly recommend tasting and cellaring this wine." Wine Advocate

Bright ruby red colour. Refined raspberry and red cherry on the nose, with notes of quinine and flowers that develop with further aeration. Fresh flavours of red berries and smoked beef, with hints of violets and orange zest. Almost exotic on the palate with plenty of luscious extract sweetness and fine tannins and a fresh, mineral, dry finish. An exceptional red wine with a terrificarc of tension! SUPERIORE.DE

"Black cherry and medicinal herb scents introduce an intense, concentrated palate of sweet black forest fruits balanced by balsamic freshness and integrated tannins. Vertical, elegant and fresh." Decanter

"I tasted this wine before it was officially released, and while it definitely needs more time in the bottle, I think we're looking at something very special. With high altitude fruit from old, twisted 100 year old vines, this expression is beautifully ethereal and almost weightless in character. The 2021 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo offers blue flowers, ashy smoke, liquorice and grilled herbs. The tannins are silky and flattering." Wine Advocate

Feudo - a radiant ruby-garnet colour - displays lively aromas of raspberry, mint, minerals and flowers, which continue on the palate full of energy. This richness, harmony and freshness also accompany the almost endless and highly elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the mouth it shows a good balance of sticky red fruits, acidity, balsamic freshness and grainy tannic grip. It's intense and concentrated, with lovely texture and a fresh finish. Very Burgundian, with succulent, ripe, tangy red fruits." Decanter

"Very open with fresh flowers and cut oranges with undertones of cherry and ash. Medium-bodied with open-grained tannins that spread out in the mouth. Juicy and flavourful. Very smoky on the finish." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Feudo 2021 is a little more approachable overall, but I love the way the bouquet and mouthfeel unfold in this vintage. The wine offers precision and clean straightforwardness. The fruit comes from 70 year old vines and the flavours are nuanced and delicate with wild fruits, roses and flint. The finish is very soft and silky with melting tannins." Wine Advocate

Around 2,000 bottles of this single-vineyard wine are sold each year. Extremely complex bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant and sour cherry, with perfectly integrated notes of Mediterranean herbs. Broad and elegant on the palate, supported by a delicate acid wire that makes it fresh and lively. A great wine with excellent structure and remarkable persistence and depth of flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and sweet red and black berries are backed by some chocolatey notes and fine, chalky tannins. Very balsamic, sapid and vertical, it displays impressive concentration of pure, succulent fruit. Patience will be rewarded." Decanter

"Sweet berry and floral aromas with orange peel and flowers. Very intense and flavourful, yet discreet and concentrated. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Powerful and polished. It should only be drunk after 2025, but is already very attractive now." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2021 turns out to be one of the best wines produced on Mount Etna in recent years. The bouquet is nuanced and rich with many moving parts ranging from red fruits, cassis, blue flowers and campfire ash. These tones are seamlessly intertwined, yet remain vibrant and bright. On the finish, the wine shows a fine structure and plenty of minerality." Wine Advocate

The Nero d'Avola grapes for the very rare Sultana come from a steeply sloping, bush-shaped vineyard facing north-west. The soil here is white with a limestone matrix, rich in minerals and drainage capacity. The pronounced slope and very poor soil reinforce the pedoclimatic characteristics in which the Nero d'Avola plants find a natural habitat. It is an extreme terroir, a combination of environmental and human factors, that distinguishes the Sultana vineyard from other vineyards. The light reflected by the white soils enhances the characteristics and ultimately the quality of the grapes from the vineyard. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep purple in colour and significantly darker than the Vigna Guarnaschelli of the same vintage. Concentrated nose of sour cherry and raspberry with chalky notes. Juicy, lively, almost tart cherry and raspberry fruit, with a dose of grippy tannins on the finish, suggesting that this wine needs more age. Much less full-bodied than its 15% would suggest. It is currently more approachable than the Vigna Guarnaschelli." Jancis Robinson

"Spectacular aromas of hibiscus, lemon blossom, raspberry and red liquorice. Lots of crushed red berries. Medium body with fine, flattering tannins. Bright acidity on the finish. A triumph." James Suckling

The single vineyard Guarnaschelli is a 60-year-old vineyard with a slight westerly exposure. A loamy matrix of brown skeletal soils can be found here. This generous soil, characterised by limestone, gives the wines finesse and minerality. Here, the plants produce grapes of consistently high quality every year - the result of deep roots and restrained, intelligent vineyard work. The strong exposure to the sun is tempered by constant winds blowing from all directions. This sets in motion a play of temperature fluctuations from which the old vines benefit to produce complex and aromatic grapes.

"Deep, impenetrable purple red colour. Impressive depth of lifted cherry and damson fruit, with a complex note of spicy oak and hints of eucalyptus and white pepper. The palate is juicy, lush, sour cherry and damson, with a hint of grainy tannins and surprisingly high acidity on the finish. The 15% alcohol is well integrated. A few more years in the bottle wouldn't go amiss, as this wine has both the richness and the tannic structure." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of terracotta, dried earth, stone and black berries. Medium to full body. Strong but fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. The fruit remains flowing but always in check. A wine for the cellar. A new benchmark for Nero d'Avola. The magic of a single vineyard." James Suckling

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegant. Very refined bouquet of currants and wild berries, plus a hint of dog roses, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, tasty and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny garnet with copper accent in the rim. Pronounced scent of dried raspberries, cranberry jam, some white pepper and wet stone. Tightens up with fine-meshed tannin, crisp freshness, harmonious in attack and course, very fresh in the drink, keeps coming." Falstaff

"Aromas of woodland berry, Mediterranean scrub, camphor and oak-driven spice shape the nose on this fragrant red. On the tight palate, firm acidity accompanies raspberry jam, orange zest, vanilla and licorice. Firm, grainy tannins leave a puckering, drying close. Give the tannins a few years more years to relax a bit then drink." Wine Enthusiast

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, filigree acidity and interesting salinity. A contemplative drop that requires a certain amount of experience and patience to be fully discovered. Pre-Phylloxera = from rootless vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Cask sample. Just mid crimson. Perfumed morello cherry and really tightly wound. Slow release of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit with a Nebbiolo-like, long tannic charge on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Darkly elegant and poised, the 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante slowly comes to life. Exotic spice scents emerge, mixed with smoky crushed stone, dried roses and black cherries. It's silky-smooth with medium-bodied weight, complemented by bright acidity and a cooling mix of red and blue fruits. Sweet tannins and minerals mingle through the long, mouthwatering finale, leaving a lightly structured feel as inner violet florals slowly fade. This is incredibly pretty and already highly enjoyable, yet has short-term cellaring potential as well. Nicely done!" Vinous

"Attractive ripe berry, plum and spice aromas follow through to a medium to full body, chewy tannins and a powerful finish." James Suckling

"With pre-phylloxera fruit from 90-year-old vines in the village of Castiglione di Sicilia, this asset in the Pietradolce portfolio is a relatively new addition. The 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante shows some extra concentration and darkness that reflects the vineyard site and the hot growing conditions of the vintage. The wine offers a lot of savory characteristics with leather and crushed stone, but there are some solid tones of blackberry and wild plum at its core." 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, filigree acidity and interesting salinity. A contemplative drop that requires a certain amount of experience and patience to be fully discovered. Pre-Phylloxera = from rootless vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and dried cranberries, lemon peel, fresh mushrooms and bark. Smoky. It’s medium-bodied with firm yet fine, silky tannins and intense, juicy flavors. Long finish. Delicious." James Suckling