Sicily
Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria
Frank Cornelissen 2017 Munjebel Rosso
Smoke, graphite and truffle meet wild black berries and molten chocolate on a deep, compelling nose. The palate is full and enveloping, layering blackberry, crushed black raspberry, liquorice and grilled herbs over velvety tannins. Tangy acidity and a lingering mineral note keep the richness precise. Decant and serve with venison, grilled beef, lamb shoulder or earthy mushroom dishes.
Tenuta di Castellaro 2019 Nero Ossidiana
Deep purple in the glass, with ripe black cherry, cassis, pomegranate and tomato leaf on the nose. The palate is full-bodied but fresh, shaped by a distinctive saline current and supple tannins. Dark fruit remains clear through the long, kirsch-toned finish, giving the wine both power and coastal brightness.
Planeta NV Etna Brut Metodo Classico
Delicate flowers and bright citrus rise through refined, persistent bubbles. The palate is soft yet mineral, with lemon and passion fruit carried by a fresh, finely textured mousse. Mediterranean herbs shape the finish, adding savoury definition to the generous fruit, volcanic drive, length and clarity.
Passopisciaro Contrada Chiappemacine Terre Siciliane Rosso 750 mL
Dark cherry and fig lead, joined by plum, fragrant herbs and a clear note of white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and firmly shaped, with fine tannins bringing grip and tension around the ripe fruit. Smoky mineral tones and savoury spice add definition through the middle, while fresh acidity keeps the texture lively. Focused rather than heavy, it finishes with lingering cherry, marjoram and a stony volcanic edge.
Donnafugata 2016 Fragore Contrada Montelaguardia Etna Rosso DOC 750 mL
Marasca cherry, raspberry and black-skinned berries lead a layered nose, joined by Mediterranean herbs, liquorice, tobacco and exotic spice. The palate is elegant and firmly structured, with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity carrying the fruit through espresso, flint and a light forest-floor note. The finish is long, savoury and distinctly mineral. Decant before serving with duck, grilled ribs, mushroom dishes or a rich lentil stew.
Alta Mora 2017 Etna Bianco Carricante 1.5 L
Yellow pear and fresh apricot open with lemon zest, wild sage and a flinty mineral note. The palate is lean and energetic, with bright acidity giving the fruit a clean, snappy shape. Crushed herbs and graphite add savoury definition through the middle, while the magnum format gives the wine a generous presence at the table. The finish is persistent and precise, lingering on citrus, stone fruit and cool mineral detail.
Palari 2016 Faro 750 mL
Black fruit, forest berries and cassis meet smoke, tar, leather and a restrained note of toasted wood. The palate is broad and savoury, with delicate fruit carried by notable freshness rather than weight alone. Firm, fine tannins and steady acidity give the wine a dry, structured shape, while liquorice and mineral detail build through a long, balanced finish with a distinctly saline edge.
Benanti 2013 Pietra Marina Etna Bianco Superiore 750 mL
Orange blossom and ripe apple rise from an intense, complex nose. The palate is dry and distinctly mineral, with high acidity and saline detail giving the fruit a taut, elegant shape. Long lees ageing contributes depth without softening the wine's volcanic precision. The finish is persistent and savoury, leaving anise, almond, ripe apple and a clear impression of sea-breeze salinity.