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If you’ve been keeping up to date on HBO’s hit program White Lotus, you understand that the second season is set along the picturesque bluffs of Taormina, Sicily. In the most current episode, we saw some of the primary characters direct to the area’s volcanic vineyards to drink Etna Bianco– a local design of white wine made predominantly from Carricante. One of them even particularly mentions a popular bottling of such, known as Eruzione.
Undoubtedly, the Etna DOC, hugging the eastern flank of its eponymous volcano, stays among Italy’s a lot of well-known appellations. However it only represents a small and relatively narrow sample of what this wondrously diverse island needs to provide. For a wider taste we should turn our attention to the Sicilia DOC. It was developed in 2012 to preserve quality of production throughout the whole of Sicily and today consists of over 500 wineries and 58,000 acres of planted grapes.
In addition to the incredible variety showed across the landscape, there’s likewise some amazing value to be taken pleasure in from here. We’re talking luscious white wines with loads of intricacy, all well under the $50 mark. And many of them are currently crowding American racks. So let’s take a closer look at what the island does best, with some particular bottles to consider transporting home in time for the next episode of everyone’s favorite luxury hotel-based, character-driven anxiety fest.
Nero d’Avola white wine. Italy. (Picture by: Eddy Buttarelli/REDA&& CO/Universal Images Group through Getty … [+]
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Nero D’Avola You can not have a preservation about Sicilian wine without discussing Nero D’Avola– the island’s most widely planted red grape. In the bottle the grape frequently expresses itself with plum fruit, some mild spice and soft tannins. Stylish examples are too extensive to even note. But the aptly-named Siciliana from Di Giovanna Winery is a practical location to begin your exploration. It’s a fresh, un-oaked (and organic) expression that actually showcases the trademark approachability of the category. All this at under $15 a bottle, by the method. When you’re all set to wade deeper into the Nero waters, acquire a bottle of Omnis from Funaro Winery. It strikes heavier with licorice and black pepper notes to withstand the most robust proteins on your plate.
Frappato Thin-skinned and distantly associated to Sangiovese, this finicky grape can have low yields. Which is why lots of wine makers prevent working with it. But as a few cunning producers are proving: the juice deserves the capture. As an indigenous varietal, it speaks really particularly to the terroir of Southern Italy and sings with strawberry and lavender in its brilliant bouquet. Most of it hails from Vittoria Frappato– a small DOC in the southwestern corner of Sicily. A standout choice from here is the natural 2021 vintage from Azienda Agricola COS. It’s light and slightly acidic, numerous locals will stick in the fridge prior to serving it with everything from squid to salami. A terrific warm-weather red option to Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. And this specifically elegant offering will just set you back $30.
Countryside near Santa Domenica Vittoria town, Nebrodi Park, Sicily, Italy, Europe. (Picture by: … [+]
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Grillo Now let’s uncork some whites. This varietal is best known for its starring role in the famed fortified red wine of the region, Marsala. It’s just a relatively recent phenomenon that contemporary drinkers have started recognizing its merits as a table red wine. Specifically when revealed gracefully under the curation of a skilled wine maker. That’s clearly the case with the 2021 vintage from Tenute Orestiadi. It’s crisp yet full-bodied, using the florality of orange blossom in the nose and the depth of clay and slate in the surface. It’s strong enough to stand up to a number of years of cellaring. And it has to do with $10 a bottle.Nino Barraco
in grape vineyard Grillo. Rina Vecchia. Mangialonga. Marsala. Sicily. Italy. Europe. … [+]
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Catarratto This flexible white grape has been planted in Sicily for thousands of years. In the Etna DOC it is typically blended with Carricante. Across the island, however, Sicilian producers have actually been mining its complete body, citrus-laden capacity as a standalone varietal. A terrific example can be discovered in this $22 bottle from Feudo Montoni which invites some fascinating melon and grapefruit to the palate celebration. A best foil for any lighter seafoods on your table– and darker comedies on your TV.LOS ANGELES
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Countryside near Santa Domenica Vittoria town, Nebrodi Park, Sicily, Italy, Europe. (Picture by: … [+]
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