Sicilian Wines are Summer in a Glass

   Two seats are available on Wine-Knows' October trip to Sicily

Summer is getting into full swing and there may be no better way to celebrate than with a glass of Sicilian wine.  This is the last article of the month’s series on Sicily.  In the earlier posts you’ve learned that Sicily has nearly 90 native grapes….wines that you’ll not see anywhere else in the world.  This article, however, features grapes that were not birthed on the island but all have a Mediterranean heritage. 

                                                             The island's charms are many

Catarratto

The Queen of Sicilian grapes, Catarratto is grown all over the island (it represents nearly one-third of all wine grapes planted).  It is the mother of the wonderful native Grillo grape which was discussed last week.  One sip of Catarratto and you’ll see their resemblance:  lemon zest, intense oranges & fragrant citrus blossoms.   But, that’s only part of Catarratto’s charms. 

Catarratto also entices with flavors of peaches and apples.  It’s a dry, light-bodied wine that offers moderate alcohol levels, thus it makes for a perfect interlude to a summer’s supper.  Since it doesn’t have a lot of tannin, it works well as an aperitif but it can certainly swing to a first course like a shrimp appetizer.  Look no further than Donnafugata’s Anthilia, or Graci’s Etna Bianco (a blend of Catarratto and Carricante). 

                                       A  place has been set for you with Sicilian ceramics

                     

Zibbibo

This white wine screams SUMMER.  Zibbibo, the father of the Grillo grape, is a member of the aromatic grape family of Muscat.   Zibbibo on Sicily can be made dry or sweet, but this article will focus only on the dry version.    With its fragrant profile of honey, peaches, white flowers, and even lychees might make one think that a dry Zibbibo had some sugar, but the aromas fool your senses.

A glass of dry Zibbibo is a perfect aperitif.   It’s not a serious wine, but it’s a wine that many adore just by itself….or perhaps with a little something like Sicily’s wonderful almonds while watching the sunset.   Donnafugata’s Lighea is a great example of a terrific Zibbibo aperitivo, as is Rallo’s Quasar.

                                              A Sicilian antipasti buffet awaits

Insolia

Insolia is a white grape variety grown in both Tuscany and Sicily.   Until recently, Insolia was used primarily on Sicily in making Marsala.  It is known for its nutty flavors and citrus profile.   Modern Sicilian winemakers, however, are rethinking Insolia.   The grape is now being blended with others such as Chardonnay and the results are stunning. Cusumano’s Angimbe is my favorite of the new renditions, and for <$20, it’s a real warm weather charmer.

Have a magnifico summer!

http://www.wineknowstravel.com/sicily-itinerary/

Mt. Etna is Terroir on Steroids

                           Only 2 seats remain on WineKnows' trip to Sicily this October

This is the second article of June's month-long tribute to Sicily.  Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, offers one of the most profound examples of terroir in the wine world.  Terroir, considered the complete natural environment in which a wine is produced, includes such factors as climate, soil, topography, and even pests.  Mt. Etna offers an overwhelming diversity of all of these terroir elements.  Its terroir is so utterly unique that Etna is basically a micro-continent within the island of Sicily.

                 Oranges, apples, figs & cherries also love Etna's mineral-laced volcanic soil

Mt. Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano.  At a height of nearly 11,000 feet, Etna is topped with snow many months of the year.  Grapes are grown up to about 4,000 feet.  Altitude is a major element involved in climate on Mt. Etna.  The higher the altitude the greater the difference in diurnal swing (the difference between day and night temperatures.)  Diurnal shift is a critical component in making all world-class wines, and the Etna vineyards have substantial diurnal variations.

Altitude is also responsible for another important part of Etna’s terroir in that exposure to sunlight is a function of altitude.  UV exposure increases about 4% with every 1,000 foot gain in elevation.  The intense sun ray’s falling on Etna’s mineral heavy soils create an interplay of light and reflection.  This sunlight exposure on Etna is unparalleled to any other wine area in Europe.  Etna’s extra hours of sun (>1,000 more per year than in Northern Italy) make for completely unique growing conditions.

                                        Lava-based soil provides nutrients & drainage

The soils on Mt. Etna are also unique.  Formed as a result of the process of cooling and crystallizing of volcanic super-heated magma, there is a high presence of minerals in the soil.   Mineral-laden earth effects the final wine product in terms of color, aromas and tastes.   Etna’s lava-based soil also promotes excellent drainage---a critical factor in quality wine.

                   Etna has many vines >100 years old as pests find it difficult to thrive here

Mt. Etna’s vineyards were one of the few in Europe that were not wiped out in the late 19^th century by Phylloxera.  One of the most destructive louses ever known to world-wide vineyards, Phylloxera for an unknown reason did not destroy the vines on Etna (although it did annihilate many of Sicily’s vineyards).    

                 Come learn more about Etna's magical terroir with Wine-Knows this October

Mt. Etna has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).  The volcano’s diverse terroirs have a monumental impact on Etna’s wines.   The following highly recommended wines are great examples of Etna’s terroir-in-a-glass, and all are worth every Euro of their bargain price:

• Cusumano Etna Bianco Alta Mora (white)

• Cantine Nicosia Etna Bianco Fondo Filara Contrada Monte Goma (white)

• Planeta Etna Bianco (white)

• Passopisciaro Contrada Sciaranuova (red)

• Firriato Etna Rosso Cavanera Rovo delle Cotumie  (red)

• Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso A Rina (red)

Most of these wines are available in the US and they are worth seeking out.  Or, you can join Wine-Knows this October when we'll be visiting Mt. Etna and sampling many of these wines during our ten day trip.

Treasure Island---Sicily

                                      Magnificent wines & fabulous gastronomy await visitors

Italy’s Mediterranean destination-island is a treasure trove of perfect seafood, intensely flavored vegetables, superb olive oil, and world-class wines. Strongly influenced by its many conquerors---from the Greeks, to the Romans, the Arabs, the French and the Spanish---the island’s culture represents a unique crossroads of the Mediterranean.  Stunning island geography, along with a breathtaking tapestry of art and architecture (including two of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world), completes this Italian jewel.

Grapes are grown on the slopes of Mt Etna

One of the biggest show-stoppers of Sicily is its wines.  Prepare yourself for new varietals that only are  grown in Sicily.   Indigenous grapes such as Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Grillo, Catarrato, Carricante and Insolia are not grown elsewhere.  Adding to the attraction is that many of these grapes are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil which imparts interesting complexities.   There’s no problem ripening fruit in Sicily due to its idyllic year around climate.  All of this translates into lush, fruit-forward wines with a hint of minerality.  Simply put, Sicily’s wines are stunning and full of unique personality.

                                           Even the eggplant are special varietals

Sicily’s cuisine is different from any other Italian region.  In fact, the mainland Italians consider Sicily a continent.   The island’s culinary prowess comes from its vivid and diverse background of past conquerors who left their indelible mark on Sicily’s gastronomic scene.  Expect hints of exotic spices like saffron and cinnamon paired with local ingredients—lemons, blood oranges, almonds, fresh capers, and wild mountain oregano.  There’s an abundance of fish and seafood, with swordfish being one of the specialties.

    Vegetables are like you've never had them before 

Wine Knows will be visiting Sicily during their grape harvest in September 2020.  The trip is sold out.  If you will not be joining us but wish to explore the island's great quality/price ratio wines, here are my suggestions for the best producers, listed in alphabetical order:

• Cusumano
• Donnafugata
• Occhipinti
• Passopisciaro
• Planeta
• Tenuta Fessina
• Tenuta delle Terre Nere

 Ciao!