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Pale to medium ruby-garnet hue. A very mineral nose with crushed stones, iron, some bitter oranges, wild herbs and savory berries. Huge tannins and high acidity on an austere palate with a full body and a mineral-driven finish. Lots of bones and tension here, but no heft. Drinkable now, but better in two years. A mineral and more Barolo-like Etna Rosso. (ZS)

Who says you can’t get an amazing Sicilian wine for under $10? At just $9.90, the 2023 Làmurà Grillo Sicilia is an absolute steal! Fresh, organic, and Sicilian through and through, this wine brings the sun-kissed vibes of Sicily straight to your glass without breaking the bank. From the first sip, it’s bursting with bright citrus, juicy green apple, and a hint of tropical pineapple, all wrapped up with a lively, refreshing finish. There’s also a subtle touch of Mediterranean herbs in the mix, adding a little taste of Sicily’s wild landscape. Grillo, one of Sicily’s star white grapes, thrives in the region’s warm climate, and this organic beauty from Làmurà captures its freshness and flavor in the most delicious way possible.

You don’t have to splurge to enjoy a taste of Sicily—especially when it’s as delicious as the 2023 Làmurà Nero d’Avola, all for just $9.90! This organic Sicilian gem brings bold flavor without the bold price, making it an easy win for any wine lover looking to savor the island’s most famous red grape. Expect rich aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and a hint of warm spices, all mingling with a subtle earthiness that transports you straight to Sicily’s rugged landscapes. On the palate, it’s smooth and juicy, with a touch of Mediterranean herbs and a finish that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back for more. Nero d’Avola thrives in Sicily’s warm climate, and Làmurà has captured that sunny energy in this bottle.

The 2025 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco is a stunningly precise, mineral-chiseled benchmark that defines the classic style of the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Masterfully blended by Marco de Grazia from organically farmed, high-altitude vineyards, this wine relies on the region's signature Carricante grape, filled out with Catarratto, Grecanico, and Inzolia. Vinified entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel to shield the wine from any heavy oak makeup, it captures the raw, cool-toned energy of dark volcanic sands and weathered basalt.

The 2016 Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie delivers old-school aromatics of dried cherries, complementary nectarine, musky rose petals, crushed rocks and leather strap. It is lifted and finessed with a pulse of zesty acidity and a solid core of tart wild berry and citrus. A bitter tinge lingers as nuances of tart blackberry and blood orange fade. There’s a pleasurable rusticity to the 2016 that I find very attractive. (EG)

The 2023 Benanti Etna Rosso is a textbook, high-toned benchmark for volcanic Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Sourced from choice plots across the north, southwest, and southeast slopes of Mount Etna, these bush vines are rooted in pure, mineral-rich volcanic ash and sand at altitudes up to 750 meters. Raised primarily in stainless steel with a tiny fraction in neutral oak, it focuses purely on raw varietal tension. The wine pours a translucent, pale ruby color, leaping with wild strawberries, sour red cherries, pomegranate, and orange peel, backed by a deep vein of volcanic ash, white pepper, and wild thyme. The palate is light-bodied, energetic, and chiseled, driving forward on a sharp spine of vertical acidity and fine-grained, ash-dusted tannins. It finishes bone-dry and intensely sapid, leaving a mouth-watering trail of crushed stones and tart red fruit.

Etna Bianco comes from the slopes of Mount Etna, the active volcano on Sicily’s eastern side. Carricante is the principal grape of the appellation’s white wines, placing this 2025 Giovinco within a local winemaking tradition closely tied to Sicily’s volcanic landscape and native varieties.

The benchmark for the region. It offers the ethereal transparency of Pinot Noir with the volcanic grip of Nerello Mascalese.

A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from their parcels across the mountain. Aged in a combination of tonneaux and large casks, this Etna Rosso is both powerful and elegant. Notes of wild red berries, ash, and spice lead to a structured palate with fine-grained tannins and a long, persistent finish.

A textured, precise and flavorful red with aromas of cherries, fresh flowers and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Vivid with succulent forest berry character and a mouthwatering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. (KD)

The fresh, tangy, bright nose pops with aromas of tea leaf, cranberry, blood orange and top soil. The palate stays lively, with raspberries joining more cranberries, citrus and peppery earth. Tannins are polished and sleek, but substantial. *Best Buy* (DC)

Giovinco’s Alma Catarratto comes from Sambuca di Sicilia, where the family’s vineyard holdings date to the 1920s, when great-grandfather Vito Giovinco purchased the estate’s first parcels. Today the winery remains family led under winemaker Vito Giovinco, combining long-standing vineyard traditions with modern cellar practices. Alma is produced from 100% Catarratto grown at roughly 350 meters elevation on mixed soils. The grapes are harvested by hand, fermented at cool temperatures, and aged on the fine lees for several months before bottling, with maturation carried out entirely in stainless steel.

The 2023 Etna Rosso is rosy and perfumed with citrus-tinged cherry defining its bouquet. This is a lifted and juicy effort with ripe red berry fruits and an air of violet pastille that swirls throughout. Tantalizing acidity maintains amazing freshness as the 2023 concludes with gentle tension. (EG)

Opaque and inky brown, the restrained aroma hints at espresso. On the palate, it's a wash of espresso, hazelnut and cola, with a pleasantly fleeting sweetness followed by a long, herbal finish. (KN)

This is rich, mellow and nicely filled with fruit, offering dark cherries, plums, mild spices and hints of cedar and nutmeg on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety, rather supple tannins and impressive volume and length. A smooth and fruity aftertaste. Drink now or hold.

Almost Burgundian style to this wine, due to reductive character, with smoky aromas, pink grapefruit and candied cedar. Mellow, full-bodied and opulent with a creamy texture, refreshing acidity and a polished finish. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink now. (AF)

A restrained lemony profile for this Etna, full of broom flowers and a rich core of stone fruit. Vibrant palate with zesty acidity and a weighty, silky texture. Long, flowery finish. Drink now. (AF)

Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years. Drinkable now, but will be great in a few years.

The 2024 Girolamo Russo "a Rina" Etna Rosso is an elegant and electric benchmark of the region, blended from Nerello Mascalese and a small portion of Nerello Cappuccio sourced from younger vines across the estate’s top contrade. On the nose, it is intensely aromatic and transparent, offering a classic "volcanic" profile of wild strawberries, tart cherries, and blood orange layered with sophisticated notes of leather, Mediterranean herbs, and a distinctive smoky ash. The palate is light-to-medium bodied and high-toned, balancing a juicy red fruit core with a vibrant, zesty acidity and fine, silky tannins that mirror the structure of a cool-climate Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo. It finishes with a long, savory persistence and a crystalline mineral snap that reflects the black lava soils of Mount Etna's northern slopes.

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2019 Arianna Occhipinti "Grotte Alte" Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico, 1-bottle of 2020 Arianna Occhipinti "SP68" Sicilia Bianco, and 1-bottle of 2021 Arianna Occhipinti "BB Vino di Contrada" Frappato Terre Siciliane (95DC, 94RP). Of the 2021 Arianna Occhipinti "BB Vino di Contrada" Frappato Terre Siciliane, Decanter writes: "BB' ('Bombolieri') mixes the ethereal finesse of PT and the power of FL, unveiling deep aromas of dark cherries, hazelnuts and iron that mingle with airier shades of wild violets, black tea, and balsam herbs. Youthfully grippy tannins frame a staggeringly brisk and pure, Nebbiolo-esque progression, with bitter orange and tilled soil complementing crunchy red and black fruits, Vermouth-like botanical herbs and iodine shaping a long and punchy finish that suggests excellent cellaring potential. From a 40 year-old parcel lying on pebbles over layers of white limestone. (RM)" (12/2023)

Floral and perfumed wine with orange blossoms, herbal notes and lime zest, showing an intriguing fresh style. Super light-bodied with a bone-dry style and silky texture, refreshing acidity and a focused finish, though expected to be longer. Drink now. (AF)

The purity of fruit is all here with strawberry, lemon-peel and floral undertones. Goes to cranberries. It’s medium -bodied with firm tannins and a bright, vivid and linear finish that keeps your palate clean.

COS takes its name from the surname initials of its three founders: Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano, who established the estate in 1980. Based near Vittoria in southeastern Sicily, COS puts one of the area's traditional red grapes at center stage with this 2025 Frappato.

Graci is based in Passopisciaro on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, where vineyards occupy the volcanic terrain of eastern Sicily. Its 2024 Etna Rosso carries an appellation that requires at least 80% Nerello Mascalese, placing this local red grape at the heart of the wine’s identity.

The 2023 Monteleone Etna Rosso is a remarkably elegant, high-toned expression from the north slope of Mount Etna, specifically near the Alcantara River in Castiglione di Sicilia. Crafted by Giulia Monteleone and Benedetto Alessandro, this Nerello Mascalese-dominant blend is rooted in lighter, sandier volcanic soils that naturally favor perfume and structural grace over sheer muscle.

Vinified in concrete and aged for 12 months in large French oak, before finishing in concrete again, this is spicy and wild, brambly and herbal. Touches of sottobosco mingle with strawberry and dark cherries, leading to a long, soft, balanced finish. (JB)

Elegant yet effusive, with cherry, rose, strawberry and juniper flavors gliding gracefully on the silky palate. Underscored by minerally tar and leather notes, this red is long and refreshing, with firm yet plushly textured tannins emerging on the finish. Drink now through 2038. (AN)

The 2025 Molino a Vento Pinot Grigio Organic (Terre Siciliane IGT) is a beautifully vibrant, high-toned, and expressive white that completely redefines the expectations of southern Italian Pinot Grigio. Sourced from certified organic estate vineyards in the wind-swept, rolling hills of western Sicily, this wine thrives in a microclimate where intense Mediterranean sunshine is balanced by powerful, cooling maritime breezes. Vinified entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel with zero oak makeup or malolactic fermentation, it focuses purely on capturing a pristine, sun-drenched varietal transparency.

"SP68" Bianco by Arianna Occhipinti is a natural, organic blend of Albanello and Zibibbo from Sicily, named after the road that runs through the vineyards in Vittoria. This white wine embodies the brightness and character of Sicily’s indigenous grapes. Fermented naturally, it offers a fresh, vibrant profile with minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine.

A super-focused, polished, light and fresh wine with gentle aromas of wax, black pepper and wild strawberries. A restrained palate with cinnamon flavors, firm chalky tannins, crisp acidity and a chewy finish where the structure finds its balance. (AF)

The 2024 IDDA Bianco (Sicilia DOC) is a striking, intensely focused 100% Carricante born from the high-profile joint venture between Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci. Sourced from elevated vineyards (600 to 800 meters) on Etna’s southwestern and southern slopes across Biancavilla and Belpasso, this vintage is heavily defined by a challenging growing season marked by intense summer heat, strong winds, and extreme diurnal shifts. To preserve its energy, the juice was fermented in stainless steel, with 20% aged in 15-hectoliter oak casks for 6 to 9 months before early summer bottling. In the glass, it shows a pale straw color with star-bright clarity. The nose is distinctly chiseled and savory, opening with stone dust, Asian pear, and citrus peel, seamlessly interwoven with wild thyme, wisteria blossoms, and a faint hint of classic, petrol-like hydrocarbon complexity. On the palate, the 2024 stands out for its exceptional linearity, direction, and raw verticality—stepping away from the slightly fleshier, softer profile of the 2023 vintage. It delivers a leaner, remarkably focused mouthfeel driven by a racy, piercing acidic spine and a powerful explosion of salty, volcanic mineral tension. The finish is incredibly persistent, leaving a mouth-watering trail of tart citrus and wet flint.

Tenuta Rapitalà’s name derives from an Arabic phrase meaning “river of Allah,” referring to the watercourse that runs through its estate near Camporeale in western Sicily. The 2024 Viviri is made from Grillo, a white grape deeply associated with Sicily and historically important to the island’s wine culture.

The 2022 Magma Rosso (Barbabecchi) has a complex bouquet of crushed plums, ash, lavender pastille, hints of dark chocolate and spiced citrus rinds. It opens with a balanced inner sweetness and velvety textures that are nearly fleshy in feel. Zesty acidity lights up its polished wild berry fruits. The 2022 leaves a primary concentration, edgy tannins and an air of violet pastille. (EG)

A confession, I love Amaro, there’s a huge trend toward Amaro, vermouth and bitters but this one is really unique. The Sicilian orange peel just dominates not only in the aromatics but it is the signature flavor throughout. I frequently find Southern Italian Amaro too sweet for my taste this one is impeccably balanced. I love it over ice with a sprig of rosemary, sometime I add a splash of soda.

The Rosato is a co-fermented field blend of white and red grapes, offering a salty, watermelon-rind, and volcanic ash crunch that makes it impossibly drinkable.

A restrained wine with bright and precise aromas of dark fruit, wild strawberries, peonies and leather. The palate is fresh, with austere tannins, a medium body and a crunchy structure. It’s fresh and astringent, finding balance at the end. (AF)

The Tasca d’Almerita family has owned Regaleali since 1830, making this inland Sicilian estate the historic heart of its winemaking. The 2024 Regaleali Bianco bears the estate’s name, connecting this Sicilian white to nearly two centuries of family winegrowing history.

This wonderful gin from Sicily is made at the wonderful Alma Distileria Artigianale. Using Italian juniper berries, coriander, Siracusa PGI lemon peel, Sicilian sweet orange peel, Modicana almond, rosemary, broom, Sicilian sugar cane honey (panela) steep in spirit and then distilled slowly in small batches on their small copper bain-marie potstill. Aromas of citrus and floral with clear hints of Mediterranean brush. Delicate and soft but persistent in the mouth. A contemporary gin that doesn’t give up on characteristic resinous notes of juniper.

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2020 Federico Graziani Etna Rosso .

Strawberry, caramel and cedar aromas with hints of vanilla are enticing. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and a juicy, lightly chewy finish. Turns smoky and almost peaty at the end with dried herbs local to the volcanic slopes. Typical and sophisticated. Drink or hold. (JS)

The Rosso, predominantly Nerello Mascalese, is the quintessential "glou-glou" volcanic red—bright, peppery, and intensely juicy. Both are meant to be served with a slight chill and practically evaporate from the glass.

Catarratto is one of Sicily’s traditional white grape varieties. Il Censo’s 2022 “Praruar,” carrying the Terre Siciliane designation, presents it as an orange wine—a category made by keeping white grape juice in contact with the skins during fermentation, rather than separating them at the outset.

The 2024 Manenti Vittoria Frappato is a brilliantly authentic, high-toned joy of a red wine, crafted by the husband-and-wife team of Marita and Guglielmo Manenti. Working with young alberello (bush-trained) vines planted on the red, sandy, limestone-infused soils of Bastonaca—right in the historic heart of Vittoria, essentially next door to Ariana Occhipinti—this low-intervention gem shows just how nervous, structured, and vibrant the Frappato grape can be when kept entirely free of makeup. To preserve the variety's raw, joyful energy, the hand-harvested fruit is naturally fermented and aged strictly in stainless steel tanks, completely avoiding any wood contact or heavy extraction. In the glass, it pours a beautifully bright, completely translucent pale ruby color. The nose is highly primary, fragrant, and expressive, bursting with high-toned red fruits like fresh wild strawberries, crunchy red cherries, and pomegranate seeds. This bright fruit profile quickly gives way to a highly characteristic, savory layer of wild Mediterranean herbs, fresh-cut fennel, white pepper, and a faint hint of dried rose petals.

Bright and vivid with strawberry and cherry aromas highlighted with lemon zest and ash. Medium-bodied, this has a lovely core of fruit and fine tannins that are almost dusty. Turns to smoke, mineral and red fruits toward the end. Drink now or hold. (JS)

This is the benchmark "Classico" of the estate. It is a master blend of several high-altitude contrade in the Northern Valley. The 2024 is soaring and aromatic, offering a crystalline expression of sour cherry, blood orange, and that unmistakable smoky, pumice-stone minerality. It is the perfect introduction to the serious, structured side of Cornelissen's cellar.

Mediterranean scrub, stone fruit and citrus aromas waft out of the glass on this radiant sparkler. Made with 100% Chardonnay planted on volcanic soils, it boasts elegance and a lovely depth of flavors, including ripe yellow apple, Bartlett pear and Myer lemon punctuated with layers of saline mineral notes. A creamy perlage lends finesse and cushions the crisp acidity and racy tension. (KO)

The emergence of true agricole-style rum from outside the traditional French territories has been slow, but Distilleria Alma in Sicily is quietly proving the category has far more room to grow. Produced entirely from fresh sugarcane juice using both purple and yellow cane, this single estate rum is fermented with wild and selected yeasts for up to 96 hours and distilled in a bain-marie copper pot still before aging in regenerated French oak ex-wine casks. Bottled at a commanding 64.1% ABV, cask #012 yielded just 275 bottles and offers a deeply textural, high-toned expression of Mediterranean rum. The nose is precise and aromatic, showing lemon blossom, candied orange peel, rhubarb root, and black pepper layered over subtle vanilla and coffee powder. On the palate it’s dry and focused, with orange peel, café latte, and mint-chocolate notes giving way to a warm, silky texture. The finish carries balsamic lift and citrus oils with a lingering herbal edge. This is rum of real structure and clarity, closer in spirit to fine eau-de-vie than traditional molasses-based styles.

This Carricante from age-old vineyards at 900m above sea level is a progressing wave that bursts with vitality and infinite energetic return. Hints of broom, yellow fruit and flint offer a crystalline and pure sip, enlivened by a sapid and refreshing vein. With no lack of volume and consistency, it's a highly satisfactory and pleasurable drink. (AP)