Thursday, December 31, 2015

Discover Sicilian Wines

Vineyards in Sicily -- Etna in the background
We have a nice mix of Sicilian wines in stock at the moment. Come in and try a few. Sicily has been making wine for generations but it has really only been in the last two decades that acclaim has come their way. From the volcanic soils surrounding Mount Etna to the southern sun in Cerasuolo di Vittoria there is a nice mix of styles and flavors. Of course we have cherry-picked our favorites. Here are some to start -- with more arriving as the year progresses. Full disclosure: my father was born in Sicily and I have many relatives there. Does that make me biased? Just maybe…

2014 Caravaglio Malvasia Blanco Secco Salina $19.99 Italy
100% organic. This dry yet delectably ripe and juicy white from the volcanic Aeolian Islands off the northern coast of Sicily is an exciting find from southern Italy. Aromas of fresh, sweet white and yellow peaches blend with a hint of lemon zest on the nose; generous and juicy, with a touch of sea salt and mineral backbone, that gives just the right amount of lift on the palate.

2012 Murgo Etna Rosso $17.99 Italy
Always an attractive mid-weight red laced with black cherries, rosemary, herbs and licorice. There is a casual weightless elegance of this Etna and it has good overall balance and harmony. The blend is primarily Nerello Mascalese with a laser amount of Nerello Mantellato.

2012 Hauner Salina Hiera $19.99 Italy
(90 Points: Wine Enthusiast) "Made from a blend of 60% Alicante, 30% Nocera and 10% Calabrese, this wine has aromas of violet, tilled earth, mature plum, prune and black cooking spice. The soft, savory palate delivers ripe black cherry and black berry, accented by black pepper and nutmeg. It’s balanced, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Made for early drinking pleasure, so enjoy soon."

2012 Riofavara Eloro Nero d'Avola Spaccaforno $21.99 Italy
Riofavara is located in the Noto Valley, just a few minutes down the road from the town that gave Nero d’Avola its name, and was the first producer to dignify this grape with the use of its own indigenous yeasts. This bright vivacious red wine is loaded with character with a mineral driven core that derives from the zone’s rocky limestone and marl terrains.

2010 Gulfi Nerojbleo $25.99 Italy
(88 Points: Wine Spectator) "A note of sweet brown bread leads the way here, mixing with date, tea leaf and mocha accents. A balanced red, with a soft and creamy finish. Shows more savory character than sweetness. Nero d'Avola. Drink now through 2020. 6,666 cases made."

2012 COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria $34.99 Italy
Winemaker notes: "The Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a deep ruby red color. It has aromas of dried cherry, chocolate, smoke, herb and spice. It gains some licorice notes with time in the glass. Soft round fruity medium bodied palate with a good dose of acidity. The wines gives off dried cherry, truffle and smoky flavors in the mouth. 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato."

2011 Palari Rosso del Soprano $52.99 Italy
The grapes are Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Nerello Cappuccio and Galatena, from the Faro region. This is a wine that strides the line between ethereal and earthy (the little brother Palari's cult wine simply called "Faro"). It offers an otherworldly nose that leads you into a palate of brambly dark fruit, cigar wrapper, leather and a hint of hazelnut liqueur. This has stunning balance and the kind of texture that wine-lovers cherish. A wine of superior quality.

Others we like but are out of stock currently

Passopisciaro Terre Siciliane
Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso A Rina
Terre Nere Etna Rosso
Graci Etna Rosso
Valle dell'Acate Il Frappato Vittoria Frappato
Valle dell'Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Benanti Etna Rosso di Verzella
Benanti Rovittello
Benanti Serra della Contessa
Bonavita Faro
Occhipinti Frappato

Keep tasting new things…

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