Sicily Wine

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
"The nose opens umami, sanguine and earthy, with damp soil, pepper and mixed wild herbs, then presents sweet, tiny wild berries crushed underfoot. The palate first leans into the fruit, with sweet, ripe blackberries and blueberries, before finishing off with earth and pepper."
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Winemaker Description

Hints of ripe fruit, cinnamon, and licorice and an intense and harmonious taste allow for a fresher wine, with delicate tannins and easy to drink style.

Product Details

• Producer: Tenuta Rapitalà
• Region: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nero d’Avola
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, high-altitude Sicilian red
• Format: 750ml

Colosi Rosso — Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2023

Cantine Colosi is one of Sicily's most beloved producers — a family estate with deep roots in the island's winemaking tradition, farming vineyards across the volcanic soils of eastern Sicily and the sun-drenched hillsides of the Terre Siciliane. Their Rosso is a blend of Syrah and Nerello Mascalese — two varieties that thrive in Sicily's warm, dry climate — crafted to deliver the island's signature combination of ripe fruit, savory herbs, and velvety texture at an exceptional everyday price. This is the kind of wine that makes Sicilian red one of the world's great value categories: generous, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

The color is intense, dark ruby red. The nose offers notes of black fruit, strawberries, flowers, and aromatic herbs — inviting and expressive. On the palate, it is dry and full-bodied with a velvety texture and delicious flavors of blackberry, plum, and strawberry, framed by savory spice and aromatic herbs. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins that provide lift and structure — a natural match for the table.

"One of my favorite great value reds! Velvety textured with delicious flavors of blackberry, plum and strawberry with savory spice and aromatic herbs. Medium to full bodied with supple tannins that provide lift and structure. Great for pizza, pasta and any midweek excursion." — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

• Producer: Cantine Colosi, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
• Blend: Syrah, Nerello Mascalese
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, plum, strawberry, black fruit, savory spice, aromatic herbs, velvety texture, supple tannins
• Style: Medium-to-full bodied, dry, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Pizza, pasta, grilled meats, eggplant parmigiana, charcuterie, aged pecorino

Sicily's great everyday red — Colosi Rosso 2023 is velvety, generous, and built for the midweek table.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A bright, balanced red, with an aromatic overtone of medicinal herbs and spices accenting flavors of macerated cherry and raspberry fruit, stone, smoke, milled pepper and paprika. Lightly chewy on the finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Drink now through 2033. (Vintage 2023). 

Winemaker Notes

Benanti Etna Rosso is pale ruby red in color. The bouquet is ethereal and intense, with spicy red fruit aromas. Well balanced and medium-bodied, with a mineral-rich complexity, pleasant acidity, and a saline freshness on the long and lively finish.

Food Pairings

A versatile wine that pairs beautifully with red meats, aged cheeses, grilled fish, and white meats. Equally excellent by the glass.

Product Details

• Producer: Benanti
• Region: Etna DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Volcanic red — mineral, floral, saline
• Format: 750ml

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine
Made from organically grown grapes and vegan friendly, this dark, juicy, easy-drinking Nero d’Avola is uncomplicated, packed with flavor, and irresistibly delicious. Plump and round in the mouth with blackberry, plum, and raspberry fruit at its core, with silky tannins and a velvety rich texture. An affordable indulgence for any meal — an ideal partner to pasta in tomato sauce and hearty pizza.

Winemaker Description

Deep purple-red color. The nose reveals intense fruity notes of blackberry and blueberry compote, together with smoky and spicy notes. On the palate it is extraordinarily round and complete, with a natural and effortless balance of tannin and acidity, structure and length.

Sustainability

Purato’s environmental commitment extends into the winery. Purato uses eco-friendly packaging made from recycled paper, pure vegetable ink on the labels, and 85% recycled glass for the bottle.

Product Details

• Producer: Purato
• Region: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nero d’Avola
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Dietary: Vegan friendly
• Closure: Screw cap
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Medium-bodied, juicy, easy-drinking Sicilian red
• Format: 750ml

Few wine regions on earth are as singular as Mount Etna. Perched on an active volcano on Sicily's northeastern flank, the vineyards here grow in ancient lava soils at elevations that would be extreme anywhere else in Italy. Benanti is the family that put Etna on the modern wine map — pioneers who recognized the potential of indigenous varieties like Carricante long before the rest of the world caught on. Their Etna Bianco is 100% Carricante, the white grape native to the volcano's eastern slopes, and it is a pure, unfiltered expression of place: bone-dry, lean, and electric, with a stony minerality and saline edge that no other terroir can replicate. Grapefruit, tart orchard fruit, and a whisper of white flowers on the nose; crisp, driving acidity on the palate; and a long, clean finish that lingers with volcanic energy. Serve well chilled and let the mountain do the talking.

• Appellation: Etna Bianco DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Carricante
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Bone-dry, high-acid, volcanic white
• Serve: Well chilled, 46–50°F

Benanti  Etna Bianco DOC  2024

Tasting Notes

Grapefruit, saline, stony minerality, and tart orchard fruit. Bone-dry and lean with vivid acidity and a long, clean volcanic finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Ricotta with citrus rind — a Sicilian classic that mirrors the wine’s grapefruit and saline notes.
• Grilled swordfish or tuna — the minerality and acidity stand up to meaty fish.
• Lemon pasta or seafood risotto — the wine’s citrus energy and salinity are a natural match.

67 Wine Picks

"A thrill-seeking wine from the volcanic region of Mt. Etna. Benanti showcases 100% Carricante at its best — complexity on the nose with aromas of grapefruit, saline, and fresh acidity with lots of minerality. A pure varietal expression, full of life, vibrant, energetic, with a lingering finish." — Debra 67wino.shop

Purato | Catarratto & Pinot Grigio | Terre Siciliane IGT | Sicily, Italy | 2025 | Certified Organic | Vegan

Purato is a Sicilian producer committed to organic farming, vegan winemaking, and sustainable packaging — bottled in recycled and recyclable materials. Their wines are made to express the natural freshness and character of Sicily's sun-drenched vineyards without compromise, and at a price that makes them an effortless everyday choice.

Sicily is Italy's southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea — a land with over 2,500 years of winemaking history and a unique terroir shaped by volcanic soils, warm sunshine, and cooling sea breezes. Catarratto is Sicily's most widely planted white grape, prized for its natural freshness, aromatic lift, and food-friendly character. Blended here with Pinot Grigio, the two varieties complement each other beautifully — Catarratto bringing the island's natural citrus and stone fruit character, Pinot Grigio adding a subtle aromatic lift and light body.

Bright, clean, and effortlessly enjoyable. Stone fruit flavors of peach and citrus with a subtle tropical note, light harmonious body, and a fresh, clean finish. A wine that punches well above its price point.

"Light, clean, and offers stone fruit flavors of peach, citrus and a subtle tropical fruit note. Purely enjoyable, harmonious, light-bodied with freshness making it a perfect wine for every day drinking." — Debra, 67Wine

Perfect with light seafood, salads, fresh cheeses, grilled vegetables, and as an aperitif. Try it alongside selections from 67Gourmet.

• Producer: Purato
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Blend: Catarratto, Pinot Grigio
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Suitable for: Vegans
• Packaging: Recycled & recyclable materials
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Alta Mora Etna Rosso · Mount Etna · 2023

Alta Mora is the Cusumano family’s project on the slopes of Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese, an indigenous Sicilian grape, grows in the mountain’s dark volcanic soils. The variety’s combination of vivid fruit, firm tannins and lively acidity has drawn comparisons to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.

Expert Review · 2022 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast 92 points (2022 vintage): The cool, fresh, floral nose swirls with aromas of violets, lilacs, crushed rocks, earth, herbs, and blackberries. Figs lift a sweet, ripe blackberry element on the palate, while an undertone of salted dark chocolate and hints of chili pepper heat keep you on your toes. Tannins provide structure throughout.

Wine Details

• Producer: Alta Mora (Cusumano)
• Appellation: Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Grapes: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
• Size: 750ml

Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali Nero d’Avola — Sicily, Italy 2021

Tasca d’Almerita is one of Sicily’s most storied and respected family estates — a winery whose Regaleali holdings in the heart of the island represent some of southern Italy’s most important indigenous viticulture. The flagship grape is Nero d’Avola — a black variety also known as Calabrese, whose roots trace back to the ancient Calabrese family originating in the Modica-Avola area of southeastern Sicily. The 2021 Regaleali Nero d’Avola is crafted from estate-grown fruit that expresses the warm Mediterranean terroir with exceptional clarity: ripe fruit, harmonious spice, and a pleasantly tannic structure that has made this bottling a perennial value benchmark. It earned 90 Points from James Suckling and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is warm and expressive: brambly dark fruit, fresh figs, cherries, and white pepper, with harmonious fruity notes well blended with typical Mediterranean spices. On the palate, the wine is round and fresh with an intense flavor of ripe fruit, creamy tannins, and a simple, fruit-forward finish. It is approachable, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Sicilian red that disappears fast at the table.

"Rich brambly fruit with some fresh figs, cherries and white pepper. Round and fresh on the palate with creamy tannins and a simple, fruit-forward finish." — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Tasca d’Almerita, Regaleali Estate, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: Nero d’Avola (100%)
• Aging: Estate-crafted for ripe fruit, Mediterranean spice & creamy tannin structure
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Brambly dark fruit, fresh figs, cherries, white pepper, Mediterranean spice, creamy tannins, fruit-forward finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, pasta alla Norma, eggplant caponata, aged pecorino, wood-fired pizza

Sicily’s benchmark estate Nero d’Avola at an honest price — Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali is the standard for what indigenous, sun-drenched Sicilian red can deliver.

Winemaker Description 

Anthìlia 2024 has a yellow straw color. The nose offers a fresh and fragrant bouquet with notes of white pulp fruit and zest of citrus combined with delicate hints of wild – flowers.

In the mouth the fruity notes are enhanced by a pronounced freshness and pleasant sapidity.

Perfect when paired with raw fish, fried fish and vegetable pie; excellent with fresh cheeses and white meat.

Lucido (synonym for Catarratto), the pre- dominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and inter- national varieties.

Serve in glasses of medium size and height; it can be uncorked at the time of serving, excellent at 9-11°C (48- 51°F)

Expert Review

90 Points Wine Enthusiast: On the nose, aromas of sweet and tart citrus and fragrant white flowers play on a beach of crushed rocks and shells. The palate sprinkles flaky salt over lemon slices and white peaches, intensifying a salty, lively overall feel.
Best Buy #77 top 100 List 2026

Memo Summary Notes 

The Donnafugata Anthìlia 2024 is a beloved Sicilian classic and often the first wine people discover from this legendary estate. Named after the Roman city of Entella, it is a versatile, "sunshine-in-a-glass" white wine that captures the Mediterranean spirit through its blend of indigenous grapes.

Pair with

• The Match: Its saline mineral core makes it perfect for raw or fried seafood, octopus salad, or mussels au gratin.

• Vegetarian: Excellent with vegetable tarts or pasta with zucchini and ricotta.

Our Professional Review

Giusto Occhipinti of COS is a benchmark producer in the Vittoria appellation of Sicily — and one of the most important, influential winemakers in all of Italy. Founded in 1980 by three friends (Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano — whose initials form the winery name), COS has never used synthetic or chemical additives in the vineyard. Certified organic since 2007 and biodynamic since 2000, their Frappato is Sicily’s answer to Cru Beaujolais: joyous, floral, and built on elegance and purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 94 Points (Nov 2025): “Overt and spicy, showing elegant black-pepper aromas with black cherries, leather and earthy notes. Vinous and juicy. Medium-bodied, it shines with lightness, offering a silky texture and fragrant, crunchy tannins well-tamed and sustained by crisp acidity. Delicious. Drink now.”

Decanter — 90 Points (Apr 2026): “Cherry compote, basil and sage meet pepper, thyme and star anise. Bright, dark fruit energy and earthy smoke follow; grainy tannins add structure, and the finish is rustic, meaty and joyful.”

Tasting Notes

Vibrant and aromatic with bright red fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry. Low tannins, fresh acidity, and a silky, light-bodied texture make this an effortlessly drinkable expression of Sicily’s most charming indigenous grape.

Pairings: Charcuterie, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, light pasta dishes, or a slight chill for summer sipping.

Product Details

• Vintage: 2024
• Varietal: Frappato
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane, Sicily
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Producer: Azienda Agricola COS (Giusto Occhipinti)

Tenuta Rapitalà | Nadir | Syrah | Sicilia IGT | 2023 | Certified Organic

67Wine Buyer — Bart Hopkins: For centuries, Sicily has been a crossroad of cultures, languages and religions. With a multitude of cultural exchange, many things came from distant places — grape varieties included. The Syrah grape had its origins in Persia and Mesopotamia and migrated across Europe, finding its way to Sicily. The hot, sunny climate is a perfect home for this intrepid variety and is conducive to natural organic farming. Tenuta Rapitalà Nadir Syrah is rich and well-endowed, with layers of black fruits and earthy spice. Full-bodied and robustly structured, with savory complexity, a chewy texture and supple tannins providing good grip on the finish. A perfect wine for foods of substance.

Tenuta Rapitalà is one of Sicily's most respected estates, farming the volcanic soils of the island's interior with a commitment to organic viticulture and a focus on expressing the singular character of Sicilian terroir. The Nadir is the estate's Syrah — a variety that has found a natural home in Sicily's warm, sun-drenched climate, where it develops the ripe, generous fruit and spice-driven complexity that defines the wine's character. Certified organic farming across the estate reflects a long-term commitment to soil health and the integrity of the fruit.

The 2023 pours an intense ruby red with damask-violet tints. The nose is generous and expressive, with aromas of ripe dark fruit, blackberry, plum and the characteristic spice of the Syrah variety, accented by attractive hints of vanilla and a subtle earthy depth. The palate is full-bodied and richly textured — layers of black fruit and savory spice are supported by soft, elegant tannins and a long, balanced finish that reflects the depth and uniqueness of the Sicilian terroir.

Serve at 60–65°F. Pairs beautifully with pizza, pasta with rich meat sauces, grilled and roasted meats, lamb, hearty vegetable dishes and aged cheeses.

• Producer: Tenuta Rapitalà
• Cuvée: Nadir
• Appellation: Sicilia IGT
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Grape Variety: Syrah (100%)
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry red wine, full-bodied
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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A straw-yellow wine characterised by rich apple and pear notes, which render it instantly recognisable and appreciated. The taste is warm and dry, slightly tannic and displaying a citric aroma.

Pellegrino Dry Old Marsala Superiore Secco is a benchmark expression of Sicily's most storied fortified wine, crafted by Cantine Pellegrino — one of Marsala's oldest and most respected houses, founded in 1880 in the sun-drenched western tip of the island. Aged to Superiore classification, this is a Marsala of genuine depth and complexity, made in the traditional dry (secco) style that showcases the wine's savory, nutty character without the sweetness of commercial versions.

Amber in the glass with warm golden highlights. The nose is immediately compelling: iodine, dried fig, roasted almond, and singed orange peel, with a whisper of ground clove and toffee that speaks to careful oxidative aging. On the palate, the wine is rich, smooth, and finely balanced — creamy in texture, with intense dried fruit flavors, a nutty core, and a long, lingering finish of clove and orange peel. Dry, complex, and deeply Sicilian.

Awarded 90 Points by Wine Spectator, this Marsala Superiore Secco is a rare find at this price — a serious fortified wine that rewards both the curious and the connoisseur. Superiore designation requires a minimum of two years of aging, and Pellegrino's meticulous cellaring shows in every sip.

Serve at room temperature as an aperitif, or well chilled alongside Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, pizza, or roasted nuts. An essential ingredient in classic Sicilian cooking — Chicken Marsala, Veal Marsala, and zabaglione.

Gulfi Carjcanti DOC Sicilia Carricante 2022 Organic 750ml

Gulfi is one of Sicily's most respected family estates, based in Chiaramonte Gulfi in the Monti Iblei hills of Ragusa — a world away from the volcanic drama of Etna, yet equally compelling. The Carjcanti is made from 100% Carricante, an indigenous Sicilian grape variety traditionally associated with Etna, here grown at 420 meters altitude on limestone-clay soils using traditional alberello training with 9,000 vines per hectare. Certified organic, no irrigation, natural yeasts — this is winemaking with deep respect for the land.

Aged one year in 500L and 2,500L oak barrels followed by several months in bottle, the 2022 Carjcanti is a wine of real tension and complexity — mineral, savory, and built to age, yet already showing beautiful aromatic detail and a palate that rewards every sip.

"Sweet almond paste, young peaches, hints of flint and smoke waft up from this wine. Its soft texture soothes as a savory display of herbal-tinged orchard fruits and salty minerals wash across the palate. There’s a lovely cut of acidity as this finishes with youthful tension revealing hints of hazelnuts and inner florals."

• Producer: Gulfi, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
• Appellation: DOC Sicilia Carricante
• Grape: 100% Carricante
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic — traditional alberello, no irrigation
• Altitude: 420 meters — limestone-clay soils
• Aging: 1 year in oak barrels (500L & 2,500L) + several months in bottle
• Tasting Notes: Almond paste, peach, flint, smoke, herbal orchard fruit, salty minerals, hazelnut, florals, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, seafood pasta, swordfish, burrata, or light antipasti

A rare indigenous Sicilian white from one of the island’s most dedicated organic estates — Carjcanti is the kind of discovery that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Italian white wine.

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso DOC — Sicily 2022

Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most celebrated wine families, and Sul Vulcano is their love letter to Etna — the ancient, still-active volcano on Sicily’s northeastern coast that has become one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. The volcanic soils of Etna are unlike anything else in Italy: rich in minerals, free-draining, and home to old-vine Nerello Mascalese that produces wines of extraordinary finesse, energy, and terroir expression. Sul Vulcano (“on the volcano”) captures the essence of this singular place — a wine that is simultaneously fun and serious, as Vinous put it, earning 91 points. Wine Spectator awarded it 90.

The nose lifts with floral perfumes complicated by blood orange, crushed wild berries, Asian spices (cardamom and star anise), and fresh balsamic hints. On the palate, the wine is juicy and energetic — crisp red fruits swirling across a crunchy mineral core, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, elegant finish of blackcurrant and iron. Light ruby in color, light-bodied in feel, but serious in character.

Vinous 91 — “Juicy and energetic with crisp red fruits that swirl across a crunchy mineral core. Long and gently tannic… I love how the Sul Vulcano is both fun and serious.” (Vintage 2022). 

Wine Spectator 90 — “A creamy red, with dried cherry and strawberry fruit flavors and hints of rooibos tea, vanilla and blood orange peel underscored by subtle notes of loamy earth and iron. Fresh and balanced, with light, chalky tannins.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Donnafugata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
• Varietal: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Terroir: Volcanic soils, Mount Etna, northeastern Sicily
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blood orange, wild berries, cardamom, star anise, dried cherry, strawberry, iron, chalky mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Roast or stewed meats, grilled fish, aubergine dishes, mushrooms, Mediterranean cuisine, Tex-Mex

A 91-point volcanic Nerello Mascalese from one of Sicily’s great estates — Sul Vulcano is the Etna Rosso that is both fun and serious.

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The grape variety that expresses the character of Sicily’s oenological tradition better than all the others. This wine is meticulously produced using the estate’s finest resources expresses, in absolute purity, with the extraordinary elegance and ability to improve over time. Label drawn by Versace.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Vinous 93 Points | The first of the two white wines, the 2024 Versante Nord is a blend of varieties sourced from six different vineyards at varying altitudes from the north side of the valley, which receives more sunlight during the day. This wine offers a wealth of power, with notes of salted pineapples, fresh sage, smoky earth, and saline. It’s bright with acidity, salinity, and a light wild side, though very well-managed. It had been bottled just three weeks earlier, so this tasting was a preview prior to its release. Drink over the coming 8-10 years.

Winemaker Description 

This wine offers a strikingly pure expression of Mt. Etna’s eastern slopes. Grown on volcanic soils at high elevation, this white blend is taut, mineral, and refreshingly saline, with notes of citrus zest, herbs, and crushed rock. A brilliant new bottling from one of Etna’s most exciting voices—available now on pre-sale in limited quantities.

Eric Guido also last year assigned 91 Points to this plot- and said as follows of the 2023 vintage - Crushed rocks, dried flowers, raw almonds and freshly sliced nectarines form a savory bouquet as the 2023 Carricante Versante Est opens in the glass. Nearly salty in character, it washes across the palate with ease, showing tart orchard fruits and hints of lemony custard. The 2023 finishes with medium length, leaving a pleasant chamomile air to linger.

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Made with selected grapes grown on lava terraces at an average altitude of 720 m above sea level, these Etna wines represent a unique combination of the typical elegance of mountain wine and minerality due to volcanic origin. The extraordinary wealth of minerals in Etna's volcanic soils is the source of the very sapid and typical flavor of the wines produced here.  The quality of the soil is closely tied to Etna’s volcanic origins, as it was formed through the disintegration of lavas with different compositions and from different eras, and eruptive materials such as sands, ashes, pumice stone and “lapilli”. Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the altitude. From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their freshness and elegant aromas.

Donnafugata · Ben Ryé · Passito di Pantelleria · 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2023 is a Zibibbo dessert wine from Pantelleria, Sicily, offered in a 375ml half bottle. The 2023 Vinous review describes an exotic yet fresh expression, with white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus, followed by a long, refreshing finish.

Ben Ryé comes from Pantelleria in Sicily and is made from Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria. The current-vintage review appears first below; the 2022 reviews and memo notes are retained separately as historical context.

Expert Review · Vintage 2023

Vinous · 94 Points · Vintage 2023

Exotic yet remarkably fresh, the 2023 Ben Ryé bursts from the glass with a seductive blend of white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus. It is weighty, rich and harmonious throughout, coming across as sweet but not cloyingly so. Ultra-ripe pit fruit combines with candied lemon and a crisp mineral tinge that adds form toward the close. Dramatically long, the 2023 leaves a resonance of sour melon and an air of confectionary spice while cleaning up well, leaving the palate completely refreshed.

• Nose: Intense aromas of dried apricots, candied orange peel, and figs, with tropical hints of mango and papaya. You’ll also notice "Mediterranean macchia" (herbal/balsamic notes like wild mint and sage).
• Palate: Unctuous and honeyed but balanced by a remarkably high acidity that keeps it from being cloying.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with almond pastries, fruit-based desserts or blue cheese, or serve a small glass on its own at the end of a meal.

Details

• Producer: Donnafugata
• Wine: Ben Ryé
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily
• Appellation: Passito di Pantelleria
• Grape: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
• Type: Dessert wine
• Reviews: Vinous review for 2023; historical reviews for 2022, labeled separately

A striking single-vineyard expression from the sandy, mineral-rich soils of Mt. Etna’s northwestern flank. Made primarily from old-vine Nerello Mascalese, it offers fine tannins, bright red fruit, and a savory, stony core. This is one of Eduardo’s most refined and site-specific wines—elegant, earthy, and deeply expressive of Etna’s unique terroir.

Eric Guido said of the 2022 vintage - 94+ Points - The 2022 Nerello Mascalese Arenaria takes its time in the glass. It is darkly floral and spiced with a smoldering blend of blackberries and grilled herbs offset by a tinge of tangerine. This impresses further with its combination of tart wild berries and zesty citrus tones elevated by juicy acidity over a stream of silken textures. Complex yet wildly energetic, the 2022 leaves the palate reeling as licorice comes together with black raspberry and cocoa over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Arenaria is painfully young today yet full of potential, displaying incredible depth and refinement. In a word, spellbinding."

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A wine with a Mediterranean charcter born from the combination of an indigenous grape variety, Inzolia, and the most important international white grape variety, Chardonnay. Intense aromas of flowers and white pulp fruit, from peach to golden aplle. Full and vibrant sip, with a persistent final return of citrus notes. The sculpture of prickly pears on the label is by great ceramist Giocamo Alessi from Caltagirone.

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The Wine Advocate 92 Points | This is a large production of 85,000 bottles that sources its fruit from various plots planted in 2004 and 2007 at 600 meters in elevation on terraces made with volcanic rocks. The Tenuta Tascante 2022 Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera offers focused fruit aromas of redcurrant and cranberry. The wine shows a dark ruby color and medium texture. Its informal personality would match a plate of home-cooked pasta or a wood-oven pizza.

Ammura · Etna Rosso DOC · 2023

Tommasi Ammura Etna Rosso 2023 is an elegant Sicilian red that brings together Nerello Mascalese’s finesse and Mount Etna’s distinctive volcanic character. Produced by Ammura, part of Tommasi Family Estates, it balances vibrant red fruit with refreshing acidity, fine tannins and savory mineral complexity.

The vineyards lie on Mount Etna’s northeastern slopes near Linguaglossa, in the Alboretto and Chiuse del Signore districts, approximately 650 meters above sea level. Volcanic soils, cooling mountain breezes and pronounced day-to-night temperature variations encourage aromatic intensity and freshness. The vines average approximately 20 years of age, with select older vines contributing to the vineyard mix.

Winemaking

Crafted from 100% Nerello Mascalese, the wine begins with grapes carefully hand-harvested during October in small 15 kg baskets. Temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation includes approximately 12–15 days of maceration, followed by natural malolactic fermentation. Six months in stainless steel and another 12 months in large 20-hectoliter oak barrels develop structure and complexity while preserving vibrant fruit and volcanic character.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red with delicate garnet reflections, the 2023 vintage opens with ripe wild cherries, raspberries, pomegranate and red berries. Black pepper, Mediterranean herbs, sweet tobacco and smoky volcanic stone add savory detail, alongside subtle floral and earthy nuances.

The light- to medium-bodied palate is lively and balanced, layering fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and savory spice. Fine, silky tannins and refreshing acidity create a graceful structure, while volcanic ash, crushed minerals and herbs lend depth. The long, precise, pleasantly savory finish captures Etna’s distinctive energy. Combining the elegance of Pinot Noir with structure and aromatic complexity often associated with Nebbiolo, this wine offers an expressive introduction to Sicily’s volcanic landscape.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 93 Points · Vintage Not Specified: A distinctive, smoky and savory Etna Rosso with aromas of volcanic ash, black pepper, strawberries and red cherries. Light-bodied and energetic, with firm, chalky tannins, crisp acidity and a vibrant, crunchy texture that reflects the wine's volcanic origins.

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Aromas of sweet Bing cherries and raspberries mingle with savory notes of mocha and spearmint. The palate reveals ripe red berries, tart cherries, white pepper and a touch of salinity. Focused tannins and lively acidity provide excellent precision and balance.

Vinous, 92 Points · Vintage Not Specified: An elegant expression of Nerello Mascalese, combining vibrant red fruit, savory complexity and the distinctive mineral character of Mount Etna.

Pairing & Serving

Serve at 60–64°F (16–18°C) with grilled lamb, roasted pork, braised rabbit, mushroom risotto, Pasta alla Norma, Sicilian caponata, fennel sausage or moderately aged cheeses. Its lively acidity and refined tannins suit Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Italian dishes. Suitable for medium-term aging under proper storage conditions.

Details

• Producer: Ammura, Tommasi Family Estates
• Wine: Ammura Etna Rosso
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily (Sicilia)
• Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
• Subregion: Mount Etna, northeastern slopes
• Grape: 100% Nerello Mascalese
• Type: Red wine, dry
• Body: Light to medium
• Vineyard location: Linguaglossa, Alboretto and Chiuse del Signore districts
• Altitude: Approximately 650 meters above sea level
• Soil: Volcanic soils
• Vine age: Approximately 20 years, with select older vines
• Vine training: Spur cordon
• Harvest: Hand-harvested in 15 kg baskets during October
• Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation with 12–15 days of maceration, followed by natural malolactic fermentation
• Aging: Six months in stainless steel, followed by 12 months in 20-hectoliter oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV

High-altitude, volcanic red that captures the wild beauty of Mt. Etna’s northern slopes. Made primarily from Nerello Mascalese and other native Sicilian varieties, this wine is lifted and aromatic, with notes of red berries, herbs, crushed stone, and spice. Elegant yet energetic, "Quota N" reflects Eduardo’s low-intervention style and deep respect for Etna’s terroir. A pure and soulful expression of Sicilian winemaking.

Eduardo acquired this flat, half-hectare parcel of ungrafted, 80 to 100 year-old, co-planted bush vines. The vines are a a field blend of of red and white grapes. 

It is surrounded by stone walls at the high elevation of 1070 meters in the contrada. The parcel is named Germana for its historical family owner.Eduardo was not allowed to use this name and was also not permiited to use the Nave contrada name, because the site is too high to fall within DOC Etna Rosso rules.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy snap of plum skin acidity animates flavors of plumped cherry, mulberry and dried marjoram, with minerally earth and iron accents. An elegant version, with good expression through the lightly chewy finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Danielle Callegari of the WIne Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Hot chili peppers burst off the nose of this Nero d'Avola, lifted by wood smoke, macerated blackberries and bitter chocolate. Spiciness carries over to the palate, with notes of black pepper and tomato-pepper jam, but also more berries and some tobacco leaf. Tannins are firm but polished.  

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins of 67wino.shop writes | Made from 50 year old organic and Biodynamically grown Nero d’Avola vines, the 2020 Contrada is a beautifully crafted, totally natural Sicilian red wine. The bouquet is deep and rich with earthy plum and dark berry and licorice aromas that mingle playfully with notes of exotic spices. In the mouth the flavors are seductive and elegant with purity, freshness and detailed complexity. An exceptionally unique expression of Nero d’Avola.
Bart Hopkins

Cantine Florio Dry Fine Marsala Superiore — Sicily, Italy (375ml)

Cantine Florio is the most storied name in Marsala — founded in 1833 in the port city of Marsala on Sicily's western coast, and the producer that helped define the category for the world. Their Dry Fine Marsala Superiore Secco is the house's everyday expression: a versatile, beautifully balanced fortified wine made from indigenous Sicilian grapes, amber in color, and crafted to be equally at home as an elegant aperitif or as the essential cooking wine for classic Italian preparations. At 375ml, it is the perfect half-bottle for the kitchen and the table alike.

The nose is warm and inviting: raisins, vanilla, dried apricot, and a subtle nuttiness from the oxidative aging. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied, and harmonious — fervent and structured, with a clean, lingering finish. It is the Marsala of choice for chicken Marsala, veal scaloppine, fish preparations, and poultry dishes, and an elegant aperitif alongside aged cheeses.

"A versatile and ductile Marsala Superiore Secco, suitable for everyday occasions. Amber to light brown, with hints of raisins and vanilla; dry, full, harmonic and fervent. The Marsala of choice for fish, poultry and meat preparation. An elegant aperitif to serve with cheese." — Cantine Florio

• Producer: Cantine Florio, Marsala, Sicily, Italy (est. 1833)
• Style: Marsala Superiore Secco (Dry)
• Appellation: Marsala DOC
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia
• Size: 375ml (half-bottle)
• Best Used For: Chicken Marsala, veal scaloppine, fish & poultry preparations, aperitif with aged cheese

Sicily's most iconic fortified wine from its founding producer — Cantine Florio Dry Marsala is the benchmark for what a classic, versatile Marsala Superiore Secco should taste like.

Ammura · Etna Rosso DOC · 2022

Tommasi Ammura Etna Rosso Contrada 2022 is a single-vineyard Sicilian red that captures the elegance, complexity and volcanic character of Mount Etna. Produced by Ammura, part of Tommasi Family Estates, this limited-production Nerello Mascalese is an age-worthy expression of Etna’s northeastern slopes.

The wine comes from the Contrada Alboretto vineyard in the Chiuse del Signore district near Linguaglossa, approximately 650 meters above sea level. Mineral-rich volcanic soils, cooling mountain breezes and significant temperature variations encourage freshness, aromatic intensity and structural elegance. The vines average approximately 20 years of age and include two small parcels of ancient vines.

Winemaking & Vintage

Made exclusively from 100% Nerello Mascalese, the wine begins with carefully hand-harvested and selected grapes. Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 18–22°C, with 12–15 days of maceration, followed by natural malolactic fermentation. Maturation continues for six months in stainless steel and another 24 months in large 20-hectoliter oak barrels, developing depth and refinement while preserving vibrant fruit and mineral character.

The 2022 growing season brought early summer heat and drought, followed by favorable late-season conditions that allowed excellent maturity and balanced phenolic development. The resulting wine combines ripe fruit concentration with Etna’s characteristic freshness, fine tannins and elegance.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red with delicate garnet reflections, the wine opens with ripe cherries, wild raspberries, pomegranate and red berries. Blood orange, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, graphite and smoky volcanic stone add aromatic complexity.

Medium-bodied and harmonious, the palate layers concentrated red fruit with savory herbs, delicate spice and pronounced mineral nuances. Vibrant acidity and firm yet velvety tannins bring precision and balance, leading to a long finish of crushed stone, citrus and subtle volcanic smokiness. Often compared with the finesse of Pinot Noir and the structure of Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese offers a distinctive expression of Mount Etna here, with depth and aging potential for collectors and lovers of Italian reds.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling, 94 Points : A vibrant and savory Etna Rosso displaying aromas of flowers, restrained red fruit, blood orange and graphite. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and firm, velvety tannins that show a delicate chalky texture. Harmonious and structured, with an impressively persistent finish.

Vinous, 93 Points : An expressive and complex wine opening with aromas of mentholated blackberries, balsamic herbs and crushed rocks. The wine displays the savory character, mineral intensity and refined structure associated with the finest expressions of Etna's volcanic terroir.

Pairing & Serving

Pair with roasted lamb, grilled meats, braised rabbit, pork tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, Pasta alla Norma, Sicilian caponata, fennel sausage or moderately aged cheeses. Serve at 60–64°F (16–18°C); decanting before serving helps reveal the wine’s aromatic complexity. Suitable for extended aging under proper cellar conditions.

Details

• Producer: Ammura, Tommasi Family Estates
• Wine: Etna Rosso Contrada
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily
• Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
• Subregion: Mount Etna, northeastern slopes
• Grape: 100% Nerello Mascalese
• Type: Red wine, dry
• Body: Medium
• Vineyard: Contrada Alboretto, Chiuse del Signore, Linguaglossa
• Altitude: Approximately 650 meters
• Soil: Mineral-rich volcanic soils
• Vine age: Approximately 20 years, including two small parcels of ancient vines
• Vine training: Spur cordon
• Vine density: Approximately 4,200 vines per hectare
• Harvest: Hand-harvested grapes
• Fermentation: Stainless steel at 18–22°C, with 12–15 days of maceration and natural malolactic fermentation
• Aging: Six months in stainless steel, followed by 24 months in 20-hectoliter oak barrels
• Alcohol: 14% ABV

Ammura · Etna Bianco DOC · 2023

Tommasi Ammura Etna Bianco 2023 is an elegant, vibrant Sicilian white that combines Carricante’s citrus freshness with the distinctive mineral character of Mount Etna. Produced by Ammura, part of Tommasi Family Estates, it offers aromatic purity, a silky texture and a long, savory finish.

The vineyards lie on Mount Etna’s northeastern slopes near Linguaglossa, approximately 650 meters above sea level, in the Alboretto and Chiuse del Signore districts. Mineral-rich volcanic soils, cooling mountain breezes and pronounced day-to-night temperature variations encourage aromatic precision, refreshing acidity and distinctive character. The spur-cordon-trained vines average approximately 20 years of age.

Winemaking

Made from 100% Carricante, the wine begins with grapes hand-harvested during October in small 15 kg baskets. Gentle pressing precedes temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation at 16–18°C, with natural malolactic fermentation. Twelve months on fine lees in stainless steel, with monthly bâtonnage, develop texture and complexity while preserving vibrant fruit and volcanic minerality. A further 12 months of bottle aging complete the maturation.

Tasting Notes

Bright straw yellow with delicate golden reflections, the 2023 vintage opens with grapefruit, lemon zest, citron and green apple, complemented by orange blossom, Mediterranean herbs and subtle smoky mineral notes. White peach, almond and delicate spice add aromatic depth.

Fresh and energetic, the palate layers crisp citrus, tart green apple and orchard fruit over lively acidity. Extended lees aging brings a silky, rounded texture, while crushed stone, flint, almond and saline minerality linger on the long, refreshing finish. Combining the elegance of a mineral-driven white Burgundy with Sicily’s volcanic character, this Etna Bianco offers depth and versatility. Enjoyable now, its acidity and concentration also support further development and medium-term aging under proper storage conditions.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points · 2023: The 2023 vintage reveals energetic aromas of lemon, lime and crushed stone. The palate is bright and refreshing, offering tart green apple and citrus zest supported by exceptionally lively acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish.

James Suckling, 92 Points · Vintage Not Specified: A spicy, mineral-driven white displaying aromas of white pepper, crushed stone, smoke, green apple and citrus. Medium-bodied and vibrant, with tingling acidity, a silky texture and a long, lean finish.

Falstaff, 92 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Intense straw yellow with golden reflections. Aromas of grapefruit, chamomile and black tea introduce a refreshing, focused palate with mouthwatering acidity and a distinctive saline finish.

Vinous, 91 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Aromas of almond custard, white peach and delicate spice lead to a silky, smooth palate with ripe orchard fruit and subtle floral notes. Mineral nuances and candied citrus accents contribute to a long, refreshing finish.

Pairing & Serving

Serve at 46–50°F (8–10°C) with oysters, grilled branzino or other grilled fish, tuna carpaccio, shrimp, shellfish pasta, sushi, fresh goat cheese and other fresh cheeses, or asparagus and vegetable risotto. Its refreshing acidity and savory mineral finish also complement delicate Mediterranean dishes and lightly seasoned poultry.

Details

• Producer: Ammura, Tommasi Family Estates
• Wine: Ammura Etna Bianco
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily (Sicilia)
• Appellation: Etna Bianco DOC
• Subregion: Mount Etna, northeastern slopes
• Grape: 100% Carricante
• Type: White wine, dry
• Body: Medium
• Vineyard location: Linguaglossa, Alboretto and Chiuse del Signore districts
• Altitude: Approximately 650 meters above sea level
• Soil: Volcanic soils
• Vine age: Approximately 20 years
• Vine training: Spur cordon
• Harvest: Hand-harvested during October in 15 kg baskets
• Vinification: Gentle pressing; stainless steel fermentation at 16–18°C, with natural malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 12 months on fine lees in stainless steel with monthly bâtonnage, followed by 12 months in bottle
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Residual sugar: 0.5 g/L
• Total acidity: 5.88 g/L

The 2022 Nerello Mascalese Pirrera is impossible to ignore. It blends crushed blackberries with lavender pastille and hints of candied citrus and spice. This is zesty, with a reverberation of brisk acidity and masses of mineral-doused wild berry fruits. The 2022 finishes with medium length and a chalky concentration, leaving the cheeks puckered with youthful poise as hints of tart blackberry slowly taper off.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Syrah has a long history of cultivation on the island of Sicily with first records mentioning it in 1868. After decades of evolving and adapting to the region’s unique terroir, the Sallier de La Tour family became convinced of the varietal’s potential to thrive in the Monreale area where the soils are rich in potassium and the natural springs found under the vineyards allow the grapes to retain freshness.

The vineyards’ exposition and proximity to the sea allow for even and optimal ripening and the resulting wines display the fruit, balance and elegance indicative of the Syrah grape.

COS Metodo Classico Zero Dosaggio · Frappato · 2022

Founded in 1980 by Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti and Cirino Strano, COS takes its name from the founders’ initials. For this sparkling Frappato, the importer describes estate vineyards in Sicily’s Vittoria region at 230 meters, with red soils containing limestone and silica. The grapes are hand-harvested slightly underripe from vines averaging 25 years of age.

Pale copper color and a fresh, brisk profile with melon pith and dried flowers. The base wine ferments with indigenous yeast in cement tanks, ages there for twelve months, and spends 22 months on the lees before disgorgement. Serve chilled as an aperitif or try it alongside seafood and lightly fried appetizers.

Pale copper color, fresh and brisk with hints of melon pith and dried flowers

Base wine aged in cement for twelve months. The dosage is fresh must from the subsequent vintage. Spends 22 months on the lees before disgorgement

Our shop note

COS has always been a staple on our Sicilian shelves. Now imagine how excited we are to have them over in our sparkling section. Their spumante is all Frappato with a chalky and yeasty profile, the result of a year spent in cement then 22 months of lees aging.

At a glance

• Producer: COS
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Vittoria, Sicily, Italy
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
• Grape: Frappato
• Style: Metodo Classico sparkling wine
• Designation: Zero Dosaggio, as listed by the importer
• Vineyards: Estate-grown; 230 meters elevation
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast in cement tanks
• Aging: Twelve months in cement, followed by 22 months on the lees
• Importer-listed disgorgement: June 2025
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting notes: Pale copper, fresh and brisk, with melon pith and dried flowers

A fresh, brisk Sicilian sparkling Frappato with a distinctive copper hue.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Eric Guido of Vinous writes 92 Points | A gorgeous blend of crushed violets, lavender, wild strawberries and crushed stone wafts up as the 2022 Nerello Cappuccio blossoms in the glass. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp wild berry fruits. Brilliant acidity adds lift and hints of sour citrus pepper the palate. The 2022 tapers off wickedly fresh with a gentle tug of fine tannins, taking on a slightly crunchy sensation as of licorice tones fade under blue- and purple-toned inner florals. The Nerello Cappuccio from Benanti is always a fun wine; its one of the only varietal expressions one can even find on the market.

Winemaker Description 

Fairly bright ruby red with very light tints of purple. Scent is spicy, herbaceous, smoky, and mildly fruity.

Winemaking in the Benanti family can be traced back to the late 1800s in Viagrande. This deep-rooted passion for wine is what led Giuseppe Benanti to establish the namesake winery in 1988.

Vineyard in Contrada Cavaliere, on the South-western slope of Mount Etna, within the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodia (CT). This area is known for its high elevation (900 m a.s.l. / 2,950 ft a.s.l.), low rainfall rate and abundant luminosity.

2022 was the warmest year in the last 180 years, starting with regular and abundant winter rainfall. The vineyards’ vegetative growth was slightly early but healthy, leading to ideal flowering and fruit setting. Between May and June, rapid vegetation growth in Benanti’s five contradas required significant pruning. Despite high temperatures and a lack of rain, the grapes showed no water stress until late August rainfalls. The grapes ripened in excellent health with minimal interventions. The complete ripening process saw notable sugar increases and good acidity levels, perfect for producing balanced wines. Harvests at Calderara Sottana started on October 3rd, and concluded with Nerello Mascalese at Contrada Cavaliere on October 17th.