Wines from Sicily

This is one of the most interesting and expressive wines to come from the Vittoria area of Sicily. The Frappato is tangy and sharp, linear and direct. And it reveals more depth and nuances than one would expect in this price range. Normally, a good Frappato always has an authentic and transparent expression. This unmasked openness is also present here, but in addition there is an almost accidental hint of balsamic herbs and bitter almonds that give it further tension and personality. How good that Titta Cilia and Giusto Occhipinti leave nothing to chance, and so this finesse-rich frappato is rightly one of the region's most independent drops every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato is remarkably pretty, opening with a cascade of violets and lavender leading into citrus and blackberries. The palate is soft and soothing, with ripe wild berries and liquorice supported by crisp acidity. The finish is long with a fluid floral note, while expertly maintaining freshness." Vinous

Rami is an attractive and at the same time very individual blend of Grecanico and Inzolia. Bright golden yellow with a light, typical cloudiness of an orange wine and with an initially restrained-reductive bouquet, then with some aeration it smells sweetly of apricots, dried flowers and orange peel. This intellectual white needs time and a certain experience with natural wines - with the necessary portion of oxygen it is highly appetising and elegant on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rami, a blend of Inzolia and Grecanico, seduces with dusty flowers and subtle citrus tones that slowly fade into gingery apples. The palate is soft and supple, with a tasty blend of exotic spices and chalky fruit. Lively acidity provides a nice inner freshness, while the 2022 finishes perfumed and lightly textured. A hint of apple berry lingers." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of candied orange, peach skin, dried flowers, pie crust and honey. Medium-bodied, juicy and structured with lively acidity. A little phenolic on the finish with a zesty character." James Suckling

The fruity and characterful Angheli, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, immediately impresses with its opulent robe. In the complex, fruit-driven bouquet, there are accentuated perceptions of sour cherries, blackberries and small forest fruits, with cocoa, liquorice and cardamom in the background. On the palate, the velvety fullness accompanied by pleasant freshness and the persistent finish are delightful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy and black olive aromas with some bark and mushroom. Medium to full body, with chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

True to the house style, Nerojbleo offers a generous load of ripe fruit with maraschino cherry and blackberry jam at the centre. Its texture is dense, soft and carried by a slight sweetness. A juice and power package with a nice drinking flow and a typical Gulfi interpretation of the grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Rosso comes from the Torreguarino and Pietramarina vineyards on Etna. Bright, sparkling ruby red colour with a transparent core. Fine spicy notes, pepper and small red berries on the nose, notes of ripe raspberries on the palate. Dense, with lots of fruit and compact tannins. Elegant, yet fresh and racy and very authentic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light tannins are crisp and fine in this bright red, defining a pure note of crushed raspberry with a hint of pomegranate puree, backed by accents of blood orange peel, dried lavender and tar-tinged smoke, ending with a creamy finish." Wine Spectator

Dark, radiant ruby red colour. Pure and elegant, with spicy herbal aromas and fresh fruit notes of cherry and redcurrant. Subtle with a beautiful fruity flavour, a delicate saline vein, yet well-structured, very compact and full of harmony. An Etna Rosso with the almost Burgundian finesse and length of a Pinot Nero. SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Bianco from Terre Nere offers a surprising degree of depth and sophistication. The cuvée of Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia and Minnella has an aroma of grapefruit, quince, dried sage and wild mint. Fine mineral notes on the palate, developing elegantly with notes of lemon curd. The balance is marvellous. Seamless. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almond before transitioning into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures lifted by vibrant acidity. Mineral fruit and sweet spices meet on the palate. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. Delicious!" Vinous

"This crackles with an underpinning of salinity, working with vibrant acidity to buoy a well-meshed profile of apricot tart, persimmon, mandarin orange peel, chamomile and chopped almond flavors." Wine Spectator

"It shows attractive flavours of citrus and stone fruit with a hint of mussels, with stony and ashy undertones. Medium-bodied, tangy and fresh with lively acidity and a polished mineral backbone. Steady and concentrated with a crisp finish." James Suckling

"Bright and pithy on the nose, with notes of stone and peach. In the mouth, it's very savoury and juicy, vertical and pithy, with a lovely softness of yellow fruit with floral hints leading to a long, stony finish. So light on its feet yet intense in flavour, with a body that melts away and makes you want another sip." Decanter

The enterprising British merchant Benjamin, known as "Bip", founded a company after arriving in Sicily in 1806, which was instrumental in the rise of Marsala in the world. The fermentation of this fine Marsala is interrupted by the enrichment with brandy matured for at least 5 years in oak barrels. Intense golden yellow with amber reflections. Ethereal bouquet with notes of melon and honey. In the multi-layered taste, we find notes of dried apricots and stewed pears in addition to an appealing sweetness. SUPERIORE.DE

"There's plenty of dried-fig and papaya character in this luscious but balanced Marsala. Long, creamy finish with plenty of grapefruity freshness that leaves the palate cleaner than many fortified wines do." 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

The grapes for this single-varietal Grillo in a class of its own come from the region around Marsala. Bright yellow. Strong citrus notes in the complex bouquet. The finish surprises with a mineral note and lively freshness. Favourite wine! SUPERIORE.DE

Delicate, elegant Nerello Mascalese with fine aromas of red fruits and raspberries, enveloped in a pleasant citrus freshness. As the wine progresses, it develops a smoky note associated with the strong lava rock component that characterises the volcanic soil of Etna. Lively, harmonious and full of flavour on the palate, it is a resolutely versatile wine that goes perfectly with a wide range of fish dishes, shellfish and white meats. SUPERIORE.DE

"Only the best grapes" adorns the label. Expressive, intense white wine from the native Grillo grape, which began its quiet career as the exclusive "house wine" of the Moretti family and even today is only available in small quantities. Strong, bright stalk yellow. Exuberant bouquet of exotic fruits, flowers and flint, fruit-driven soft with a fresh, mineral note in the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced white pineapple, lemon rind, pear, white pepper and sea shell aromas. Some chalk, too. Ginger. Medium to full body, with lovely fruit and a deep underlying character of white pepper and celery salt. Intense finish. Lively and energetic at the end." James Suckling

Scent of lemon, white flowers and crushed rock. A desire for more. This southern drop from Etna does not disappoint on the palate either. Lively acidity and a long mineral finish make this white wine a perfect accompaniment to food. Structure, elegance and pure white class from Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Buonora is an unoaked Carricante sourced from Contrada Feudo in Castiglione di Sicilia, and Contrada Salice in Milo. Steely and appley in aroma, the palate is sapid and juicy, with apple, blossom and apricot skin. Light, salty and pithy, it's an easygoing, pretty Etna Bianco." Decanter

"Lemon zest, white stone fruit, orchid blossom and chalk on the nose, followed by a medium body with clean, pleasant acidity. Structured and slightly phenolic on the palate with a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"Peachy and floral on the nose, with notes of melon and mixed citrus that emerge after a while, before more decadent notes of ripe fruit emerge in a very round and rich palate with a saline note." Wine Enthusiast

Occhipintis Bianco has been one of Sicily's craziest and at the same time most independent white wines for years. Made from equal parts Moscato and Albanello, it exudes the scent of peaches and flowers, with a subtle smoky note on the nose. Delicately bitter on the palate, yet bone-dry and with wonderfully fruity hints of lychee, lime and apricot. With half an hour of aeration and at a moderate 12°C drinking temperature, you will be completely mesmerised by the sophistication and drinkability of this exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pungent flowers, ground ginger and grapefruit form a savoury bouquet when the 2022 Bianco SP68 opens in the glass. It is soft and round. Juicy acidity and tropical citrus notes enliven the tart fruit of the orchard. The finish is surprisingly long and allows exotic flowers and sour melon notes to slowly fade away. What a pleasure." Vinous

"Zibibbo and the rare Albanello grape comprise the blend of this entry-level white. The deep golden colour anticipates an exuberant nose with just a hint of struck match reduction framing apricot, candied lemon peel, orange blossom, and aloe vera. The mid-weight palate is loaded with sweet orchard fruits backed by a touch of maceration-driven astringency. Savoury minerals and a herbal tang echo on the medium to long finish." Decanter

The name of this fresh and aromatic Malvasia is dedicated to the former owner Paola Lantieri, who cultivated the 4.5 hectare vineyard with great dedication. The vines grow on mineral soils of ash, fine brown sand, pumice and silicate.

A fresh bouquet of spicy yellow flowers, lime zest, nectarines and crushed stones. On the palate, we find an attractive bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, tropical citrus fruits and a cooling minerality. The long and very delicious final is accompanied by kiwi and sage - very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"White stone fruit, citrus fruit, fresh sage and chalky earth on offer. Fresh and crisp on the palate with juicy acidity and a chalky mineral backbone. Medium-bodied with a refreshing finish." James Suckling

"Tasca's Tenuta Capofaro is situated on the Aeolian Islands off the northeast tip of Sicily. Here, on the island of Vulcano, Malvasia is grown on its loose, sandy volcanic soils. Very soft with good saline, its peachy aroma with green fruit hints is reflected in the mouth, with a pithy character and a long, fresh and juicy finish." 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

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 fruit and provides a delightfully light mouthfeel with a savoury and peppery finish." Decanter

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Didyme, named after the ancient name of the island of Salina, is a pure and intensely flavoured Malvasia. Pale straw yellow in colour. Bouquet of herbs, light-coloured flowers, apple and a hint of nutmeg. Juicy fruit, carried by a beautiful, fresh acidity, with a mineral, salty note on the powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with delicate greenish reflections. Very fragrant and clear nose of white rose petal, banana, light-coloured honey and apricots, nutmeg. Fruity and clear on the palate, with a pronounced centre coated in crisp acidity, salty at the back, fun!" Falstaff

"The Malvasia Didyme 2022 captivates with a bouquet reminiscent of fresh sea air, with aromas of spring flowers and ripe nectarines. It is silky and smooth with ripe fruit that is skilfully contrasted by a lively acidity and a zesty citrus core. Salty minerals provide a crisp final, while the 2022 rejuvenates with tropical flair, allowing kiwi and candied lime to slowly fade away. Didyme, a grape variety of Malvasia delle Lipari, is an absolute taste sensation." Vinous

"The Didyme from the Aeolian island of Salina is incredibly savoury and full of fresh stone fruit. Notes of citrus peel, yellow plums and green fruits lead to a long and very fresh finish." Decanter

"Initially floral and citrusy on the nose, with orange blossom and jasmine, then salty with oyster shells, with the saltiness becoming the defining feature of the palate and rising to the top with the help of more citrus and plenty of acidity. This is a wonderfully balanced expression of this aromatic grape variety." Wine Enthusiast

A modern, single-varietal Chardonnay that does not deny its terroir with an almost Burgundian style. Elegant, complex and full of character, the aromatically fragrant Jalé has a balanced, long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

Light yellow with green reflections. Strong aroma with grapefruit, peach and some lime. Good balance of pineapple, apple and tropical fruits on the palate. A very complex yet fresh white from the house of Rallo, which rightly ranks among the best whites in Sicily every year. Good storage and ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Rovittello, like Passiposciaro and Pietramarina, lies on the north and northeast sides of the Etna volcano. In 1911, another eruption took place, which resulted in, among other things, the area from which Fessina's red of the same name comes being flooded by lava rock, thus creating the basalt- and sand-rich terroir on which bush vines up to 100 years old grow today. The microclimate of this particular site, in the shape of an amphitheatre, ensures that the Nerello grapes ripen slowly and completely, giving the wines a unique identity, elegance and depth.

Bright, luminous ruby red. Animating bouquet of violet blossoms, pink pepper and small red forest berries. On the palate, spicy and velvety, the harmony between acidity and fruit extract combined with round, elegant tannins create a wine of aristocratic grace and finesse that will increase in depth and complexity in the coming years. Just 3,000 bottles of it will reach selected specialist retailers and top restaurants. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant cherry red with a hint of ruby. Finely marked nose of redcurrant, raspberry jelly, some cardamom and dark chocolate. Stretches out an elegantly polished dress, showing lively drink, finely woven tannin, with precision and pull, finishing on lush cherries with subtle salinity, pure drinkability." Falstaff

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is still very much a wine of Etna, despite being just outside the official boundary of the Etna DOC zone. Airy and textured, light red and black cherries and raspberry mingle with balsam, spice and earth. A poised red which trades complexity for freshness and drinkability." Decanter

"Pure Nerello Mascalese of great finesse, from the Cru Sciaranuova, matured for 12 months in oak barrels, very multi-faceted nose, redcurrant, notes of bay leaf, nutmeg and wild mint. Savoury and spicy on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish." Luca Gardini

"The 2019 Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 is delicate and floral in the glass, with pretty rose tones and spice notes that complement dusty black cherry. It washes over the palate with lightness, soft and juicy in flavour, with tactile mineral tones that linger towards the end. A layer of fine tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes remarkably fresh yet youthfully structured. It will take some time to fully develop." Vinous

"Flavours of sliced strawberries, red cherries and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine, slightly taut tannins. Lively and acidic on the palate, with plenty of white pepper as a stimulus. Accompanied by notes of wet stone and sage. Well-structured and multi-layered. Best after 2024." James Suckling