Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is not only known for its breath-taking landscapes and rich history but also for producing exceptional fine wines. With its sunny climate, volcanic soils, and coastal influences, Sicily offers a unique terroir that results in a diverse range of high-quality wines. The region is home to several renowned vineyards and wineries that have gained global recognition for their excellence.
One of the most famous vineyards in Sicily is Planeta, a family-owned winery that produces a wide range of wines across different terroirs. Their wines, such as Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Nero d'Avola, capture the essence of Sicily with their bold flavors, vibrant acidity, and expressive aromatics. Another prominent vineyard is Donnafugata, known for its premium wines like Mille e Una Notte and Ben Ryé, which showcase the region's indigenous grape varieties and winemaking traditions.
Sicily is renowned for its red wines, and Nero d'Avola is the most emblematic grape varietal of the region. It produces full-bodied red wines with rich dark fruit flavors, hints of spice, and velvety tannins. Vineyards like Tasca d'Almerita and Feudo Maccari excel in crafting exceptional Nero d'Avola wines that reflect the unique Sicilian terroir.
The island is also gaining recognition for its white wines, particularly those made from the indigenous grape variety, Grillo. These wines are known for their crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and floral aromatics. Notable vineyards like Planeta and Firriato produce outstanding Grillo wines that capture the vibrant and refreshing characteristics of Sicily.
Additionally, Sicily's warm climate is ideal for producing sweet wines. The Passito di Pantelleria, made from Zibibbo grapes, is a luscious and aromatic dessert wine. The famous vineyard of Marco De Bartoli is known for its exceptional Passito di Pantelleria wines, which display the island's mastery in producing exquisite sweet wines.
Sicily's fine wines truly represent the island's beauty, history, and passion for winemaking. Whether you are savoring a robust Nero d'Avola, a crisp Grillo, or a delightful Passito di Pantelleria, Sicilian wines offer a captivating journey of flavors that showcase the unique terroir and winemaking expertise of the region.
Sicily
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(6x75cl) 2022Wine Advocate (93)
The Tenuta di Fessina 2022 Etna Bianco A' Puddara (in the bottle with the dark blue label) shows an enhanced mineral side with sharp contours, which is contrasted against a creamy side with orchard fruit and saffron. This is a mid-weight release of 11,500 bottles that was aged in large French oak casks for 12 months on the fine lees followed by an additional 12 months in bottle. Fruit comes from a four-hectare parcel of alberello (bush-trained) vines in Contrada Spadatrappo (in Biancavilla). The vines were planted in 1973 on sandy volcanic soils with clay and tuffaceous rock at a very high 940 meters above sea level.Inc. VAT£333.60 -
(6x75cl) 2021Discover the harmonious merger of passion and tradition in the Tenuta di Fessina Etna Bianco Musmeci 2021. Hailing from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily, this Italian white wine glows with a distinctive golden hue, encapsulating the moods of its sun-soaked vineyards. Captivatingly minerally, it layers its volcanic origins tastefully with hints of juniper berries, hawthorn, and mint. Picked from 50-year-old vines, the indigenous Carricante grapes provide the lean structure and scintillating acidity unique to the Tenuta di Fessina lineage.
Tenuta di Fessina, a passion-fuelled project-turned-vineyard by Silvia Maestrelli, meticulously follows an organic approach to preserve the terroir's authentic expression. The hand-harvested grapes, fermented in stainless steel vessels, bespeak the winemaker's dedication to maintaining the purity of the Etna's terrain. With the Tenuta di Fessina Etna Bianco Musmeci 2021, imbibe a balanced, crystalline sip of Sicily's grandeur and volcanic allure.
Inc. VAT£818.56 -
Inc. VAT£681.58 -
(6x75cl) 2018Vinous (91)
The 2018 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is incredibly pretty. Crushed stone gives way to wild strawberries, then roses and, finally, nuances of sweet spice. It’s silky in texture, motivated by juicy acidity, with ripe wild berry fruits complemented by sweet inner violet notes. Energy remains high as this tapers off with a twang of licorice and shades of lavender. I wouldn’t expect the 2018 to be one of the longest-lived renditions of Santo Spirito, but it’s certain to provide a lot of pleasure over the medium term.Inc. VAT£385.55 -
(6x75cl) 2008Vinous (95)
Bright dark red. Perfumed aromas of red berries, red cherry, mint and minerals are impressively intense and pure. Penetrating, concentrated and multilayered, with red cherry and strawberry liqueur flavors complicated by strong crushed stone and floral qualities. A very deep and complex blend, finishing subtle, spicy and very long, with substantial but rather suave tannins. Some wine lovers may feel this is just a touch too warm, but to my palate the wine's overall balance easily handles the 14% alcohol. The best-ever Guardiola.Inc. VAT£774.07 -
Luca Maroni (99)
When it comes to subtlety and elegant expression, this is the absolute, considered champion. This wine does not present itself as black, but as a purplish bordeaux, which immediately and visibly conveys the balance, smoothness and the silkiness of its fleshy expression. A velvet silk glove that feels like a petal or lace to the touch. A sheath, a veil of sumptuous glycerin - the essence of the peak maturity of the fruit it is made from. A perfect rotundity of palate, somewhere between acidity, softness and tannin, an oenological sheen from the technique of its formation, shedding spiced light on its native splendour.Inc. VAT£202.78
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(6x75cl) 2022
Wine Advocate (93)
The Tenuta di Fessina 2022 Etna Bianco A' Puddara (in the bottle with the dark blue label) shows an enhanced mineral side with sharp contours, which is contrasted against a creamy side with orchard fruit and saffron. This is a mid-weight release of 11,500 bottles that was aged in large French oak casks for 12 months on the fine lees followed by an additional 12 months in bottle. Fruit comes from a four-hectare parcel of alberello (bush-trained) vines in Contrada Spadatrappo (in Biancavilla). The vines were planted in 1973 on sandy volcanic soils with clay and tuffaceous rock at a very high 940 meters above sea level.In Bond£258.76 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Discover the harmonious merger of passion and tradition in the Tenuta di Fessina Etna Bianco Musmeci 2021. Hailing from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily, this Italian white wine glows with a distinctive golden hue, encapsulating the moods of its sun-soaked vineyards. Captivatingly minerally, it layers its volcanic origins tastefully with hints of juniper berries, hawthorn, and mint. Picked from 50-year-old vines, the indigenous Carricante grapes provide the lean structure and scintillating acidity unique to the Tenuta di Fessina lineage.
Tenuta di Fessina, a passion-fuelled project-turned-vineyard by Silvia Maestrelli, meticulously follows an organic approach to preserve the terroir's authentic expression. The hand-harvested grapes, fermented in stainless steel vessels, bespeak the winemaker's dedication to maintaining the purity of the Etna's terrain. With the Tenuta di Fessina Etna Bianco Musmeci 2021, imbibe a balanced, crystalline sip of Sicily's grandeur and volcanic allure.
In Bond£662.89 -
In Bond£548.00
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(6x75cl) 2018
Vinous (91)
The 2018 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is incredibly pretty. Crushed stone gives way to wild strawberries, then roses and, finally, nuances of sweet spice. It’s silky in texture, motivated by juicy acidity, with ripe wild berry fruits complemented by sweet inner violet notes. Energy remains high as this tapers off with a twang of licorice and shades of lavender. I wouldn’t expect the 2018 to be one of the longest-lived renditions of Santo Spirito, but it’s certain to provide a lot of pleasure over the medium term.In Bond£302.00 -
(6x75cl) 2008
Vinous (95)
Bright dark red. Perfumed aromas of red berries, red cherry, mint and minerals are impressively intense and pure. Penetrating, concentrated and multilayered, with red cherry and strawberry liqueur flavors complicated by strong crushed stone and floral qualities. A very deep and complex blend, finishing subtle, spicy and very long, with substantial but rather suave tannins. Some wine lovers may feel this is just a touch too warm, but to my palate the wine's overall balance easily handles the 14% alcohol. The best-ever Guardiola.In Bond£625.77 -
Luca Maroni (99)
When it comes to subtlety and elegant expression, this is the absolute, considered champion. This wine does not present itself as black, but as a purplish bordeaux, which immediately and visibly conveys the balance, smoothness and the silkiness of its fleshy expression. A velvet silk glove that feels like a petal or lace to the touch. A sheath, a veil of sumptuous glycerin - the essence of the peak maturity of the fruit it is made from. A perfect rotundity of palate, somewhere between acidity, softness and tannin, an oenological sheen from the technique of its formation, shedding spiced light on its native splendour.In Bond£149.00
