Wines from Sicily

Ruby red colour, appealing, slightly reductive aroma of ripe blackberries and elderberries, quite dense on the palate, certain fruit sweetness, good harmony between juicy acidity and velvety tannins, elegant finish with traces of cassis. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2020 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Lamùri opens with a dark colour and a rich concentration of pressed blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, black olives and scorched earth. You can feel the fruit concentration of a hot and sunny vintage." Wine Advocate

"The Nero d'Avola Lamuri 2020 opens slowly in the glass, dusty and floral with floral undergrowth and smouldering ash stone forming its bouquet. It is soft and pure in style, with mineral-tinged red and black fruits accompanied by a lively acidity. On the finish, tart notes of wild berries and citrus fruits leave a bitter aftertaste." Vinous

"On the nose, this wine develops rich floral and fruity aromas of black cherry, violet and rose petals as well as stony notes of cobblestones and gravel. On the palate, it shows its best side. A savoury blend of spices, earth and a hint of balsamic vinegar meets more berries. The tannins are strong and chewy, and the acidity is restrained." Wine Enthusiast

"It's a Nero of striking density and intensity but with excellent balance. Earthy dark fruit aromas complement the sticky, spicy palate, with streaks of chocolate, salt and fresh herbs." Decanter

"A very solid and beautiful red with blackberries, asphalt and violets. Underneath it all is a berry compote. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish." James Suckling

Dry Zibibbo (Muscat from Alexandria) from the island of Pantelleria from about 300m altitude of ferruginous soils of volcanic origin. Isesi is delicately floral with scents of honeysuckle and perfumed star jasmine, appropriately called Sicilian jasmine in Italy. The palate is dry, balanced, with just the right softness, freshness and lightness that make this high-quality white so immensely charming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromatic with notes of apricot pie, sweet orange peel, lychee and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, dry and polished, with chalky texture and lively, penetrating acidity. Delicate and supple." James Suckling

Nocera - this noble vine is only grown on a few hectares in the province of Messina, on a spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea. Bright garnet red in colour, with an original aroma of white pepper, cherries, geranium and summer fruits. The typical fresh and fruity flavour of this old Sicilian grape is convincing. A fine salty vein in the spicy final. An unforgettable experience from Planeta's Capo Milazzo branch on the coast north of Mount Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark berries with lemon peel and mineral flavours. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and a solid mouthfeel that gives this wine energy and focus. Straightforward and racy." James Suckling

"The fresh, cool nose features notes of slate, white pepper, crunchy cherries and licorice. On the palate, acid electrifies the cherries and that faint medicinal quality, while firm, austere tannins and a deep, primitive earthiness quietly announce more serious intentions." Wine Enthusiast

The pure Chardonnay La Fuga presents an impressive aroma and taste profile. On the nose, allusions to exotic fruits - pineapple, apples and bananas - on an elegant framework of mineral imprint. Great the format of the finely balanced taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"White peaches, sliced apples, fresh flowers and wet stones on the nose. Juicy and delicious with a medium body and crunchy stone fruit character. Tangy on the finish." James Suckling

Leone Blend, a zesty Sicilian white cuvée made predominantly from Catarratto, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon, shows beautiful fruit and fresh almond notes as well as a crisp, extremely clean flavour with an enjoyable length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of waxed lemons and sliced pears with fresh sage, jasmine and white stones. Medium body. Juicy and crisp with a fruity finish. Attractive savoury notes on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Leone Blend is savoury, with ginger and nectarine complementing crushed green apples. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by vibrant acidity and mineral tones, while green melon and gentle chamomile notes linger on the senses. The Leone blend finishes with a tropical bloom of flowers and spice, ideally preparing the palate for another sip. This is fantastic value from Tenuta Regaleali." Vinous

Zisola, from the eponymous winery of the Mazzei family in Sicily, is an exceptionally well-made single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegantly shining ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the flattering fruit bouquet, ripe forest berries and rose hips, lightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with hearty red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Zisola is darkly floral and herbal in the glass, mixing earth tones with dried flowers, sage and crushed blackberries. This is soft and round with a mineral tinge that comes in early as tart wild berry fruits ride a core of brisk acidity. Sour citrus mingles with saline minerals as the 2021 finishes with a lovely freshness, lightly structured yet welcoming all the same. The Zisola is a perfect option for drinking now while waiting for the Doppiozeta to mature. Nicely done." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Seductive nose, complex fruit play, cherry, raspberry and plum, fresh thyme. Animating and light on its feet on the palate, ripe tannin, well-integrated acidity, some elderberry on the final, lingers." Falstaff

"Sweet berries and hints of wood with dried flowers on the nose. Bark, too. Medium-bodied with firm and creamy-textured tannins and a fresh and clean finish." James Suckling

Vibrant, radiant colour, rich in green-golden reflections. The rich fragrance of this Moscato d'Allessandria (Zibibbo) is floral of white roses and acacia, followed by mineral notes, peach and orange blossom, to finish with candied citrus fruits and a hint of honey. On the palate, the olfactory impressions of mineral origin and the fresh structure are confirmed, savoury and enveloping. SUPERIORE.DE

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

Nero di Lupo is - in contrast to many other single-varietal Nero d'Avola - a fresh and rather light wine, but no less interesting. Intense aroma of sour cherries and herbs, the bright, friendly taste is exceedingly fruity, lively and silky. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Nero di Lupo impresses with its savory blend of grilled sage, flinty crushed rocks and citrus-tinged red currants. It’s round in feel with lively acids to balance, as sour cherry mixed with hints of tangerine gives way to saline-mineral tones toward the close. A bitter trace and nuances of plum skins linger through the long and spicy finale. The Nero di Lupo is a zesty, varietal Nero d'Avola that will excel at the dinner table." Vinous

Floramundi surprises with a radiant cherry red colour. Fine nose of red fruits, white pepper, violets and other flowers. Very aromatic on the palate, tantalising and with soft tannins. A fresh, cheerful red with a savoury spiciness and an animating, salty final. SUPERIORE.DE

Amber golden yellow. Fresh, sweet nose of apricots, candied fruits and dried sultanas. Fine honey flavour on the palate, notes of dried fruit and braised pear. Long and with a fine acid wire that never makes this famous dessert wine from the island of Pantelleria seem sticky or broad. SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied oranges, lemon cordial, quince and stem ginger on the nose. Honeyed and sweet, full of candied fruit and gingerbread notes on a luscious finish." James Suckling

Sicilian extra virgin olive oil with a great personality and finesse. Milleanni offers a fascinating bouquet with a fruity note of medium intensity, surrounded by herbaceous nuances, with the typical scents of artichokes and tomato leaves. The flavour is soft and persistent with an elegant note of bitter and spicy nuances and a hint of pine nuts. SUPERIORE.DE

A fine Sicilian cuvée made predominantly from Ansonica grapes, with a radiant bouquet of tropical fruits and a delicate hint of honey. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with beautiful extract sweetness, shows freshness and has a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli is named after the vineyard Dorilla from which the grapes originate and this in turn after the nearby river Dirillo. Fine and elegant with light wood tones from the ageing, juicy fresh until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Grown on red sandy soil over a layer of tufa - important for water retention - this Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico is a blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Frappato vinified in stainless steel and matured in large oak barrels for 12 months. Fragrant and juicy, this is everything that good Cerasuolo di Vittoria should be. Aromatic raspberry and strawberry scents lead to a really fresh and tangy palate which invites you in. It has good acid structure, around which wrap sweet and ripe red fruits, with a long and fresh finish showcasing some raspberry coulis." Decanter

"A dense and balanced red with sour-cherry, berry and lemon aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, tangy and vivid. Tight center-palate." James Suckling

Light, brightening garnet colour, very clear bouquet with pronounced fresh fruit notes of berries and rhubarb, elegant on the palate with well-dosed power, supple tannins; juicy, persistent and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of wild strawberries, oranges, watermelon, with fine stony notes and plaster. Radiant red berry fruit on the palate, well-integrated tannins and a savoury-salty finish." Falstaff

"A blend of fruit from the Verzella, Solicchiata, Feudo di Mezzo and Guardiola vineyards, which lie between 650 and 900 metres above sea level. This Rosso is vinified in stainless steel and then matured for 12 months in large barrels and tonneaux. Perfumed and dusty, with a Burgundian nose and a hint of violets, it is grippy and well balanced with good acidity and lovely texture. Red cherry and darker plum fruit are carried by fine, ripe tannins, with a soft, elegant finish. Very drinkable." Decanter

"The nose balances the astringency of hibiscus, cranberries and pomegranate with the warmth of bricks, dirt, salt and pepper. The palate features denser, darker fruit notes, which gradually sink into undercurrents of chocolate and coffee. Acid blazes around towering tannins, sending off potent sparks of spice." Wine Enthusiast

"A good example of Etna Rosso with notes of iron and minerals to go with the flavoursome cranberries and dried oranges. Beautiful transparency on the palate despite the assertive, firm tannins that are well chiselled on the palate. Shows structure and length." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and fragrant of violets and rose petals. Fresh, aromatic berry fruit on the palate, very supple tannins, with a lot of fruit and grace on the finish. Very racy and cheerful at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied cherries and flowers with some dried orange follow through to a medium body, with watermelon and citrus undertones." James Suckling

"The warm, floral nose features delicate notes of roses and cherry blossoms, as well as more provocatively sweet aromas of strawberries and cream. The palate takes a bitter turn, which is underscored by a latent earthiness, while acid bounces around polished, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"The nose is defined by light, floral aromas of yellow apple, pear, lemon and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is citrus-forward, with the tree-fruit elements also enduring, before a faintly nutty, salty finish that gets a gentle boost from easygoing acid." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Brilliant dark orange colour. Subtle aromas and flavours of red cherry and pink flowers, clean and fresh on the palate, very aromatic and balanced taste with a slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate, saline and gastronomic, it has a good intensity of cherry and garrigue with a stony mid-palate, then some darker fruits and a touch of refreshing bitterness on the finish." Decanter

"Fruity and creamy with ripe peaches, glazed oranges and dried flowers. Also mineral notes. Medium-bodied, bright and crisp with a chalky, slightly phenolic note. Spicy on the finish." James Suckling

Rich ruby. Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper as well as an earthy undertone. Clear on the palate with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, nice spice, including star anise, very rounded. Ends with a lot of freshness, elegance and a hint of lemon peel. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Mamertino is dark and earthy, grumbling up with suggestions of plum sauce and grilled herbs complicated by flowery undergrowth. It's soft and round yet quite mineral in style, taking on a crunchy sensation as tart wild berry fruits cascade across the palate. Blackberry hints linger through the licorice-tinged finale. The 2018 finishes grippy and long." Vinous

"This wine shows a bright bouquet supported by lots of fresh fruit. The Mamertino Planeta 2018 smells of fresh summer cherries, dried raspberries and wild plums. It is a traditional blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Nocera, with a light tannin content. The wine is an approachable and easy-drinking companion to your favourite southern Italian pasta dishes." Wine Advocate

"Intense nose of blackcurrants, black plums, mocha, cloves, cigar box and iodine. Medium-bodied with polished and integrated tannins. Solid mid palate." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby. Powerful nose of plums, red berries, black cherry and eucalyptus. Warm, persistent and balsamic aftertaste of plums, red berries and a fine rosemary note. The finish is long and complex. SUPERIORE.DE

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon - the creative and successful experiment of Count Tasca d'Almerita. Cygnus is a young, enchanting wine that smells of blackberries, cherries, vanilla and tobacco and has a wonderfully smooth, grapey-sweet taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of mulberries, ripe cherries, bay leaves and mushrooms. It is medium-bodied with firm, integrated tannins. Spicy and well balanced." James Suckling

Sparkling ruby red colour, intense and appealing mineral aroma of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. Elegant tannins and a delicious fruity flavour on the juicy palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This fresh, harmonious red wine shows aromas of black cherries, Earl Grey tea, ground pepper and fine tannins with a base note of tar-like minerality that lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"An earthy, savory nose recalls the volcanic soil of Etna's slopes, while the astringency of cranberries, hibiscus, cherries and fennel provide the sparkle of the Italian sun glinting off the snow. The cherries dance on the palate, but a bitter citrus undertone highlights enduring notes of earth and herbs. Acid buzzes around dusty, chewy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Valcanzjria is a cuvée of Chardonnay, Carricante and Albanello. Fragrant with a fine fresh-oxidative note of white flowers and limes, full-bodied and yet fresh on the palate. The attentive taster finds the terroir-typical traces of flint and looks forward to further promising bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE