The Auswine Forum

Would love to hear about others experiences with Sicilian wines, which seem to have an extremely high gluggability factor, with the occasional one also moving into the "life changing fine wine" category - I'm looking at you Passopisciaro single vineyard wines...

Personally I think Nerello Mascelese is the most exciting grape from the region, it sits somewhere in between Pinot and Nebbiolo as far as the structure and weight of the wines go.

Last night cracked a bottle of Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2014 (95% Nerello Mascelese, 5% Nerello Cappuccio - $45):
Lovely perfume of fresh berries, floral elements and something smokey/ashen, juicy and easy drinking on the palate with a silky tannic grip that builds in the glass over an hour or so. Not the most intellectual wine in the world, but certainly delicious and has interest for days. Somewhat similar in style to the Lamoresca 'Mascalesi', however not quite as wild and free.

I spent a month in Sicily in August 2016.

My travels mainly revolved around wine regions but also a bit of sightseeing (non wine related ) and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Truly fell in love with the place and their wines. I had just under a week around Etna. I visited quite a few wineries while I was there but some of my favourites were Girolamo Russo (Rosato and Feudo di Mezzo were the highlights here!), Planeta, Passopisciaro and Graci. Carricante, a white variety, which I'd never heard of before was a bit of a revelation. Dry, full of flavour and zing, similar to riesling I guess. Delicious stuff. Lots of Nero of course, the site expression is pretty amazing. Overall the landscape of Etna is crazy, I saw vines growing out of old lava flows I tried to visit aussie Anna Martens (Vino Di Anna) in Etna but sadly for me she was away on holiday. I did however buy a couple of her bottles while I was there. Also, tracked down some SRC, which is the label Sam Vinciullo made in Etna while he was over there. Now he's back in Margaret River.

One thing I'd recommend to anyone going to Sicily is to walk up Mt Etna. It's a tough slog, especially in the heat, but it's well worth it...it's so barren (see pic). It's not recommended that you walk it due to it being an active volcano, but it's doable and a few people do do it each day. There are plenty of offroad bus type vehicles taking tourist up, but it's better to walk. The view from the top on a clear day is breathtaking. NB take decent walking shoes and plenty of bandages. I had been on holiday for a couple of months already (re: only wearing flipflops) so my feet had softened up. I spent the next couple of weeks walking around like a penguin because the blisters I got on my heels were so bad. I have photos but no one wants to see that!

Also went down to the Noto region, the south eastern corner, for a couple of days. It's the hottest part of the island and a lot of Nero down there and also through Vittoria (think COS and Occhipinti).

Anyway, while I was there I mainly just drunk and enjoyed the wine, instead of taking notes etc ha

Cheers

Outstanding PDG. A wine focused trip is definitely on my radar.

Cheers winetastic. It was a pretty epic experience. I spent 3 months in Italy (Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Piedmont, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily) and then 2 months in France culminating with a vintage in Burgundy!

I've often thought about typing up some notes on here about it but it's a) a very daunting task and b) don't want to float my own boat too much haha

Sounds like an amazing trip. I for one would eat up any notes you have on Piedmont and Sicily in particular.

I know what you mean about it being daunting, only managed to make it through documenting the Barbaresco leg of our month-long Italian wine trip so far

winetastic wrote:Sounds like an amazing trip. I for one would eat up any notes you have on Piedmont and Sicily in particular.

I know what you mean about it being daunting, only managed to make it through documenting the Barbaresco leg of our month-long Italian wine trip so far

I'd love to hear about it too, heading off myself to Italy this year, for pretty much all of September.

Will definitely be spending time in Tuscany, in Piemonte, but also, importantly, and with much excitement, in Sicily, around Mt Etna particularly.

Hence, any ideas, notes, must do's, must not do's etc would be greatly appreciated! Post away, pm away, email me away!

.

winetastic wrote:Personally I think Nerello Mascelese is the most exciting grape from the region, it sits somewhere in between Pinot and Nebbiolo as far as the structure and weight of the wines go.

The first Italian wine I ever had was courtesy of Gavin. It was a 2011 Passopiscario Rosso. I'm eternally grateful to Gavin for introducing me to the wines from Mt Etna. That was back in 2014. I loved the style from the get-go and it was the catalyst for starting my Italian wine journey.

Nerello Mascelese is currently one of my favourite wine varietals. I find the good ones are literally like a cross between a traditional styled Barolo and a Grand Cru Burgundy. All the things I Iove about there two styles are in the one wine. The Nerello Mascelese's are sometimes blended with small amounts of Nerello Cappuccio or Frappato or even Grenache and are lovely too.

I think Mt Etna wines offer unbelievable value for money. It's not on most people's radar so the prices are still low. I fear that once it's discovered the prices will rise. This is what I've currently got in my cellar from Mt Etna:

2014 Azienda Agricola Crasà SRC Etna Alberello
2014 Azienda Agricola Crasà SRC Etna Rivaggi
2014 Azienda Agricola Crasà SRC Etna Rosso
2014 Lamoresca Sicilia Mascalisi
2014 Terrazze dell'Etna Etna Carusu
2014 Vigneti Zabù Sicilia Il Passo
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Passopisciaro
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Contrada Chiappemacine
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Contrada Guardiola
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Contrada Porcaria
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Contrada Rampante
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Contrada Sciaranuova
2013 Tenuta Di Aglaea Nerello Mascalese
2013 Le Casematte Faro
2013 Graci Etna Rosso
2013 Passopisciaro Sicilia Passorosso
2013 Pietradolce Etna Archineri
2012 Passopisciaro Sicilia Passopisciaro
2011 Passopisciaro Sicilia Passopisciaro
2011 Pietradolce Etna Archineri
2010 Terrazze dell'Etna Etna Cirneco
2007 Passopisciaro Sicilia Passopisciaro

As winetastic has mentioned, the single Cru Passopisciaro's are awesome. I also love SRC. The owners are mentored by Frank Cornelissen. No sulfur or any additions to these wines, so some might be wary, but I love them.

I lived and worked in Sicily for three years almost ten years ago. If anyone is heading there happy to give some pointers. Some great wines there, and some great food. Still my favourite part of Italy

cheers

Ozzie W wrote:This is what I've currently got in my cellar from Mt Etna

I checked mine and realised I only have 2013 Passiopisciaro Passiopisciaro actually in the cellar heavens

Fixed by ordering 2013 Guardiola and Chiappemacine.

As an aside, how confident are you in cellaring the Lamoresca Mascalisi 2014? Pretty wild wine. Smashed 3 bottles recently tho

winetastic wrote:As an aside, how confident are you in cellaring the Lamoresca Mascalisi 2014? Pretty wild wine. Smashed 3 bottles recently tho

The Wine Front have this with a drinking window of 2016 - 2024. It's got a good backbone of acid and tannin from the bottle I tried so I'm hoping it'll improve in a few more years, cork permitting.

It is worth noting on the downside, that much of Sicily nailed its colours to the mast of international grapes and international styled wine, and much (but not all) of it is uninteresting commodity wine. The success of Etna wines should be a wake up call for all the 'me too' wine growing regions eyeing up chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to add to the wine lakes.

If anyone is around the southwestern part of Sicily, especially near Trapani, do think about paying a visit to Florio and sample their range of Marsala. The Marsala they had on tasting was an eye opening revelation - nothing at all like the dross usually found in our local stores. They were contemplative sipping wines, not cooking wines. Even if not in the immediate area I seriouly encourage those who might like sherry or madeira to seek out good Marsala.

Mahmoud.

Going to crack open an Etna rose this evening. Will be interesting to see the style.

Ian S wrote:It is worth noting on the downside, that much of Sicily nailed its colours to the mast of international grapes and international styled wine, and much (but not all) of it is uninteresting commodity wine. The success of Etna wines should be a wake up call for all the 'me too' wine growing regions eyeing up chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines to add to the wine lakes.

There is still a lot of ordinary nero mascalese and NdA around though Ian. Merlot does very well on the island, more so than Australia. I never really rated nero masc. , NdA though is a very good variety. Look for the Morgante as a great example of how the fruit tastes.

Great place to visit. Might be heading back there in August. Looking forward to a swim at Lo Zingaro, some vongole and a grillo at Castellamare del golfo.

True Sean, and I do acknowledge I'd got the big fat broad brush out to make that comment. Good to hear you may be going back - a holiday this time? August is generally too hot in Southern Italy, for me and my English 'glow in the dark' skin. September/October generally preferred, but May works for us as well.

conformistpete wrote:Going to crack open an Etna rose this evening. Will be interesting to see the style.

How was it?

2012 Wiegner ‘Treterre’ Nerello Mascalese
Enjoyed at a restaurant last night. This was the most 'Nebbiolo like' Nerello I have tried. Opened up quite mushroomy and dusty, with some emerging blackberry fruit - somewhat akin to an aged hunter Shiraz. Constantly shifting in the glass, we had a period of bright cranberry acidity, some hints of balsamic, then the silky tannins started to really assert themselves. Overall medium weight that builds as the wine breathes, fresh, food friendly and excellent balance.

Plenty of interest and was an excellent pairing with the spatchcock and the steak - both of which we opted for the addition of shaved truffles.

Would love to track this wine down and pop a couple in the cellar, so far have found it exclusively on restaurant wine lists unfortunately.

winetastic wrote:[b]Plenty of interest and was an excellent pairing with the spatchcock and the steak - both of which we opted for the addition of shaved truffles.

Mmmm truffles... what restaurant winetastic???

TiggerK wrote:

winetastic wrote:[b]Plenty of interest and was an excellent pairing with the spatchcock and the steak - both of which we opted for the addition of shaved truffles.

Mmmm truffles... what restaurant winetastic???

Bambini Trust on Elizabeth St.

Very good food, very good wine list, decent value.

Tasting Note: Planeta Cometa 2015

This wine was first made in 2000 and has a "cult status" if certain online merchants are to be believed. This is 100% Fiano from the Menfi DOC, grown on limey chalk soils. It is bottled under cork at 13.5% abv. Fermentation is low temperature in stainless steel, and the wine remains in tank on lees until bottled.

Vivid green/gold in the glass. This has a rich a slightly exotic nose of stone fruit and fruit salad, underneath which there is just a hint of saline, stopping the richness being overbearing. The palate is clean and crisp, showing ripe peach, and finishing moderately long with sharp, but not unbalanced acidity. Full bodied and powerful. Perhaps just lacks a certain vibrancy to score higher.

The winery says age for up to 15yrs and I think this could be interesting with a few more years of age. They also get a bonus award for one of the finest lines of tasting note I have seen:

"A mineral palate with vibrantly savoury traces which quiver and quench." My gosh, quiver and quench... how saucy.

I think Fiano is an interesting and under appreciated grape variety ... I picked up a couple of say 5yr old Coriole Fianos at auction for four fifths of nothing a few years ago and they were very good indeed.

sjw_11 wrote:Tasting Note: Planeta Cometa 2015

This wine was first made in 2000 and has a "cult status" if certain online merchants are to be believed.

They are not to be believed.

Ozzie W wrote:

conformistpete wrote:Going to crack open an Etna rose this evening. Will be interesting to see the style.

How was it?

Didn't end up having it and the missus had it with a friend when I was out. She did tell me it was delicious.
On the savoury and dry end of rose scale was as much of a tasting note I got from it.
I think the producer was Graci.

On Saturday Night I had a curatolo arini Nero D'Avola 2009. It was juicy full of fruit (dark plums and cherries), medium bodied but rich. There was lots of vanilla coming through and it had a delicious velvety finish. Don't know much about Sicilian wine but this bad boy held its own in a lineup which preceded it by Felton Road and Chateau Montrose. At SGD 54 (Aud 57?) it's a steal!

Bumping this thread up the top as I'm lucky enough to be travelling across to Italy in September this year and will be spending a bit of time in Sicily - might see you there Gavin!

I've done a bit of research online plus referenced the good info available here and have the following shortlist of wineries to visit (in no particular order):-

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere
Planeta
Passopisciaro
Cornelissen
Cottanera
Biondi
Benanti
Tasca d’Almerita
COS

Any thoughts or comments on this list? Not sure I'll have enough time to get to all of them, so any assistance prioritising would be awesome.

Also open to any non-wine recommendations as well!

Thanks!

Ian S wrote:

sjw_11 wrote:Tasting Note: Planeta Cometa 2015

This wine was first made in 2000 and has a "cult status" if certain online merchants are to be believed.

They are not to be believed.

Interesting, I haven't had a Planeta Cometa for years but used to really love the wine: hot summers day at Ottos Restaurant down on the W, Friday afternoon with a bottle of Planeta Cometa - life couldn't be finer.

At the time I had been told it was a chardonnay grape which also impressed me given it had no characteristics of chardonnay. Now I learn it was in fact made with Fiano which makes more sense. Still a most enjoyable wine in the right location.

Mark

Diddy wrote:Bumping this thread up the top as I'm lucky enough to be travelling across to Italy in September this year and will be spending a bit of time in Sicily - might see you there Gavin!

I've done a bit of research online plus referenced the good info available here and have the following shortlist of wineries to visit (in no particular order):-

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere
Planeta
Passopisciaro
Cornelissen
Cottanera
Biondi
Benanti
Tasca d’Almerita
COS

Any thoughts or comments on this list? Not sure I'll have enough time to get to all of them, so any assistance prioritising would be awesome.

Also open to any non-wine recommendations as well!

Thanks!

Let me know when, we'll be there for 4,5, or 6 days in September also, exploring the Food, Wines etc.

.

Diddy wrote:Bumping this thread up the top as I'm lucky enough to be travelling across to Italy in September this year and will be spending a bit of time in Sicily - might see you there Gavin!

I've done a bit of research online plus referenced the good info available here and have the following shortlist of wineries to visit (in no particular order):-

Tenuta Delle Terre Nere
Planeta
Passopisciaro
Cornelissen
Cottanera
Biondi
Benanti
Tasca d’Almerita
COS

Any thoughts or comments on this list? Not sure I'll have enough time to get to all of them, so any assistance prioritising would be awesome.

Also open to any non-wine recommendations as well!

Thanks!

Cornelissen well worth reading up about beforehand. A natural wine fanatic, whose wines can either be seen as fantastic or abysmally flawed. Prices are huge. I suppose these wildly divergent opinions makes it more interesting for a visit!

Planeta are very big. Sometimes it's useful to visit the big player, to give added context for the other tastings. I'd be surprised if Planeta shone in comparison, but that's not to say the context isn't useful/informative.

Occhipinti might be another worth looking at, with the likelihood that if you like them you should be able to find the wines back at home.

Good to see Tasca in there, as old school prestige before the Etna revolution occurred. In similar vein, worth considering Donnafugata (Mille e una notte has one of the more attractive wine labels ) and/or Cusamano, but even better than these suggestions, tap into Sean's local expertise for wineries that may be under the radar in Italy, let alone the world.

.
Please email me if interested in a Pre-Release Special offer for the 2014 Passopisciaro Passorosso ... and also the upcoming Contrada's.

All wine lovers, even those never trying the wines of Etna, should be interested!

Let me know.

.

Occhipinti Siccagno Nero D'Avola 2013
Damn this smells great, raspberry, blood plum, hints of spices and a wild sweetness. It's tangy with Pinot like acidity, moderate length and complexity. Hint of natural funk clears with air.

Would hope for a bit more at the $65 price.