Product Line
Sicily
A mere generation ago, there mightn't have been much to say here about Sicilian wine. Apart from Marsala, the reds were mostly sold in bulk to fatten up pale wines from cooler European vintages, or lost in the production of vermouth somewhere.
But with it's special place at the confluence of Mediterranean and North African cultures, there's been a modern day renaissance in wine and food here that is nothing short of a remarkable. Australians have an affinity for this blend of warm Mediterranean climate, migrant culture and vibrant food. Sicily just makes sense.
Red or white?
Red production is dominated by Nero d'Avola, grown in most regions across the island. Ranging from juicy medium bodied cherry fruited styles blended with the lighter Frappato, to sturdy dark, structured and plummy numbers that will appeal to Shiraz lovers.
Nerello Mascalese is exciting for its structured, fragrant and tannic wines, coming on high from the steep volcanic slopes of the still very active Mount Etna.
Surprisingly, there's also plenty of white planted here, chief among them Carricante. Distinctively refreshing with notes of smoke, cut herbs and lemon tonic.
Grapes
Carricante, Grillo, Nero d'Avola, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese
Favourite Producers
Occhipinti, COS, Terre Nere, Tenuta Aglaea, Feudo Montoni, Planeta, De Bartoli, Girolamo Russo, Passopisciaro
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Marco de Bartoli Marsala Oro Superiore Riserva DOC Marsala Superiore (Grillo) 1988 500mlThe 1988 Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva is a dark amber color with orange hues. It opens with a spice-box bouquet that takes all the confections of Autumn and Christmas blended with dried apricots, peaches and cedar shavings. It's silky smooth yet lifted and decidedly savory, with a burst of ground ginger and sour citrus complicating its remnants of tart orchard fruit. Butterscotch comes together with clove and golden raisin as the 1988 finishes impossibly long and potent. It shows just a touch of forgivable heat as suggestions of hazelnut linger on and on. More like a brown spirit than a wine, the 1988 is irresistible. ERIC GUIDO1988Dessert, GrilloItaly482$310.00 As low as $279.00 -
Marco de Bartoli Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC Marsala (Grillo) 1988 500mlThe only vergine riserva ever made by de Bartoli who was encouraged to try this style by Berry Bros and Rudd
The 1988 Marsala Vergine Riserva mixes amber with red hues, lifting up dusty and savory with notes of cave-aged gouda, quince, baked apple and clove. With time in the glass, it gains in volume, evolving to show rich dark chocolates and dried roses. There are depths of texture here, yet it's wonderfully balanced by vibrant acidity as salted caramel and exotic spices wash across the palate, leaving a coating of mineral-drenched orchard fruits under an air of burnt sugar and tobacco. The experience goes on and on, as minutes can go by, and you're still not just tasting but feeling the 1988's glycerol heft lingering incredibly long. This edition of the Vergine Riserva was bottled in 2019, which is stated on the front label. ERIC GUIDO
Toasted hazelnuts, mahogany, hard cheese touches, toast and spice. Touch of sweet fruit to enter, then toasted hazelnut and walnut. Spice, some chew, with a very long, pain d'épices and toasted hazelnut finish. Salty tang. 19% TIM JACKSON MW
1988Dessert, GrilloItaly482$360.00 As low as $324.00