Vines
Nero d’Avola: also known as Calabrese, it is an autochthonous Sicilian variety. It is the driving force of Sicilian quality wines. It is a wine with a strong character, at times even sharp-edged, but it can be very polished and ageable if well developed. To the nose it affords a rich array of scents: ripe red berries, morello cherries, at times even etheric fragrances rising from its alcoholic strength.
Syrah: a red grape variety whose origins are widely disputed; some say it is native to Iran, others to Syracuse and yet others to France. Regardless of its origins, it has found optimal pedoclimatic conditions in Sicily to express its quality to the fullest. Its wine is ruby-red with shades of purple, an intense fragrance with scents of dark berries and spices; to the palate it is firmly structured and velvety with a good tannic weave.
Cabernet Sauvignon: a grape variety native to Bordeaux, famous the world over for the production of fine, ageable wines. It is extremely adaptable and, together with Syrah, it is one of finest expressions of Sicilian wine-making. It produces wines intense in color, tannins and aromas reminiscent of herbal hints and green peppers.
Catarratto: Sicily's most ancient and widespread grape variety. Clear straw yellow color with greenish shades. Full and intense to the nose, with hints of peaches and citrus fruit. To the palate it affords a good balance between acidity and tanginess, with an aftertaste of the profile on the nose.
Grillo: an autochthonous white grape variety. Grillo yields wines of a great organoleptic texture. It is especially important and one of the most used varieties for the production of Marsala wines. To the nose it affords vegetal hints like green tea and hay as well as floral scents like broom. To the palate it is fresh; it is recommended to be consumed while still young, but it can be aged up to 2 years.
Chardonnay: an international white grape variety grown all over the world. Chardonnay grapes yield still, sparkling or spumante wines with a rather high alcoholic strength and acidity. It has a more or less intense straw-yellow color; the scent is delicate and fruity with hints of tropical fruit, pineapple and banana. The taste is polished and well-balanced. Aging in barrique gives it notes of vanilla and nuts that are especially appreciated.
