The top-shelf red from Donnafugata is the 2018 Sicilia Mille e Una Notte, which is mostly Nero d’Avola with other grapes in the blend, including Petit Verdot and Syrah. It shows rich concentration and dark fruit flavors of blackcurrant and plum. With time, you also perceive Sicilian aromas of caper and black olive. Those dark primary fruit flavors are framed by spice and mineral. The mouthfeel in 2018 is thinner than past vintages, especially on the mid-palate, and there is some bitterness that implies greener tannins. Some 70,000 bottles were released.
One of the icons of southern Italy, the 2020 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé (poured from a 750-milliliter bottle) is sun-dried Zibibbo (or Muscat of Alexandria) with fruit from pre-phylloxera vines planted in wind-swept terraces on this tiny Sicilian satellite island. Fruit is sourced from across 12 contrade on this volcanic island. With an abundant 79,000 bottles made, the wine opens to a dark amber color with aromas of dried fig, white raisin, honey, brown sugar and candied fruit. This hot-vintage expression is especially sweet and thick in texture.
