As far back as the time of the Greeks and Romans, Sicilian viticulture has been known for the high quality and diversity of the wines grown on the island.
From the southwest coast where Marsala is still made today to the southeast coast where red grapes like Nero d’Avola and Frappato are grown and often blended together, Sicily remains one of the most compelling producers of “island” wines in the world.
In more recent years, grape growers have focused their attention on the high-lying slopes of Mt. Etna in the northeast, where the volcanic ash, rich with organic material, gives the soil robust fertility.
We recently tasted the Etna wines of Federico Curtaz (above), who, until his retirement some years ago, was the longtime vineyard manager for Angelo Gaja.
While the wines from the low-lying coasts are rich and dense, wonderful for roasts and grilled meats, the wines of Etna are known for their lithe character, depth, and nuance.
We were blown away by how good these wines are and so we decided to feature Sicily this week.
Click here to purchase his Etna Bianco (white); here for the Etna Rosso (red).
Wine Wednesday
complimentary
- Frederico Curtaz “Gamma” Etna Bianco 2020
- Cantine Colosi Grillo 2023
- Benanti Etna Rosso 2023
- Cantine Colosi Nero D’Avola 2023
Image via the Federico Curtaz website.