Friday Sips

Right now, the entire island of Sicily is exploding with producers, but the question remains, where is the pinnacle region? One of the leading areas has to be Etna. Referred to as a Mediterranean Burgundy, this region which runs through the valleys and hills from the sea to Mt. Etna and many outsiders from Tuscany and other regions of Italy are buying land here due to the burgeoning reputation and early signs of impeccable quality.

One producer who isn't an outsider is Benanti. Giuseppe Benanti's grandfather cultivated vines on Mt. Etna in the late 1800s and in 1988 Giuseppe revived the family's passion in creating this fine estate. From the north side of Etna (yes, like the East Coast vs. West Coast hip-hop battles there is debate to which side of the mountain is better), this sterling red is a blend from 2 of Etna's native grapes, 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Vintage 2010 for this wine is an absurd value! Ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, tangy earth and sage. Flavorfully textured and dry with plenty of generous, ripe fruit which carries into a lingering and balanced finish that possesses a touch of well-integrated tannin. We highly recommend this hearty red with grilled and roasted red meats or hard sheep's milk cheeses.

Gulfi is a Sicilian producer that is currently making some of the most compelling Italian red wines that we think should be in your glass. Vito Catania came to the area with a vision of making ancient-style using modern advancements in his approach to organic farming. Since he purchased his 100 acres in 1996, he's certainly succeeded in becoming one of Sicily's most charmed producers.

50% Nero D'Avola and 50% Frappatto, this fragrant, detonating in the mouth red is full of vibrant, crunchy cherry fruit, smoke, pepper and underlying plum tones that follow through to a texture that tingles and fills the mouth without being tannic or heavy; perfect for drinking over the next two or three years with fish and tomato dishes.

DAMN, WE LOVE THIS WINE!! Although the Donnafugata estate has over 100 years of production history, it wasn't until the mid-80s when Giacomo and Gabriella Rolla made changes and investments which quickly led them to become a major player in Sicily, Italy and beyond.

DID WE MENTION THAT WE LOVE THIS WINE??!! Primarily Nero D'Avola, this flamboyant beauty is quite forward with attractive notes of violet, coriander, tobacco, cedarbox riding shotgun with deep brambly blue and black berry fruit. Harmonious and elegant on the palate with those dark jammed fruits following from the nose and fleshing out the structured, dense palate. Drink this wine over the next 10-12 years. If this were from a better-known area in Tuscany, it would easily fetch 50 bucks!! OH YEAH, WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS WINE…YOU WILL TOO!

Given the island's propensity to catch and eat fine seafood, there are plenty of white grapes It's all about learning your ABCs, that being Anything But Chardonnay and the grape in this explosively flavorful white from Sicily is thousands of miles away from Chardonnay!

Made from 100% of one of Sicily's mainstay white grapes, Inzolia this wine is just bursting at the seams with aromatic lemon-lime, herbs and plenty of saline-sea breeze character. In the mouth it is brisk and dry while enticing you back for more. Try it with fresh prawns, but it'll also pair well with deep-fried seafood as well.

Click for more info from the Grenache Association