Premi

“Strahlendes Bernstein mit goldenen Akzenten. Öffnet sich an der Nase komplex auf Noten von Birnenkompott, gedörrten Aprikosen, Datteln, Karamell und einem Hauch Akazienhonig. Spannt am Gaumen ein großes Kleid auf, extrem vielschichtig, mit saftigem Spiel, reife gelbe Frucht, edel anmutend, mundfüllend, trotzdem sehr ausgewogen im Verlauf mit langem, ausdrucksstarkem Finale.”

A really complex dessert wine that can still remember that it was made from grapes, and the aromatic Zibibbo grape gives this an extraordinary range of aromas, from caramelized mandarin orange and dried apricot to black tea, via popcorn and sauteed peanuts. Such a beautiful balance of lush exotic-fruit and orange flavors and lively acidity. Everything fits so neatly and this still tastes fantastic now, but the longer you wait the better! Drink or hold.

I love the enveloping fragrance of this Etna red, as much as the breathtaking silkiness on the very concentrated palate. Starts with a blast of red berries, but as it flows over the palate, it slowly turns in a totally Mediterranean direction. Notes of capers and wild mountain herbs at the staggeringly long finish. Still slightly tight, so try to be patient. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.

Although this has tons of Etna mineral character, it’s also a very elegant, medium-bodied dry white. Lovely interplay of white and citrus fruit with subtle herbal and caper character. Wonderful, long and silky finish with a touch of pine nuts. Super winemaking! Drink or hold.

A sophisticated Etna red with the bright red-fruit and orange-zest aromas that make this appellation stand out in the Sicilian context. Elegant balance of fine tannins and fruit on the medium-bodied palate that shunts up the energy level when the mineral acidity kicks in at the finish. Drink or hold.

Brimming with red fruit and violets, plus a touch of baking spice, this is a delightful, medium-bodied red with discreet tannins. Long, clean finish with some mineral freshness that pulls you back for more. Drink now.

“Rich and waxy notes of dried orange, creme caramel, dried banana, marmalade and mango. Enticing with an explosion of ripe fruit on the palate, luscious with a vibrant balanced acidity.”

Carricante is one of southern Italy’s most exciting grapes, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata’s sole Etna white are grown on volcanic soils rich in minerals, at 700-750m altitude. The wine is fermented in steel before being aged part in concrete tanks and part in second- and third-use barriques for 10 months, and then a further nine months in bottle. This has Mediterranean written all over it, fragrant with wild herbs / scrub, juicy, sun-ripened lemon and orange citrus fruit, steely acidity, minerality and a good weight. Enjoy it with seafood over the next couple of years.  Drinking Window 2021 – 2023

Bester Rosé Italien

A full-bodied white, despite its meager (by today’s standards) 12.5 percent stated alcohol, you can almost taste the lava.  More savory than fleshy, it has a distinct and invigorating saline-like mineral component amplified by riveting acidity.  A hint of creaminess peeks through in this long and refined wine.  Unsurprisingly, this would be a terrific choice for hearty seafood, even a tomato-based fish stew.

Orange flowers and tangerine peel dominate the nose, but the complementing elements of rose petals, jasmine, and sweet spices make for a much deeper, interesting wine.