This month we are fond of Sicily, because it is one of the places on world map which I would like to once see. Initially hearing the word Sicily, I associate it with the Mafia, the name of Carleone (the godfather of New York Sicilian Mafia), constantly active volcano Etna, the sun and the sea. In fact it is the largest island in the Mediterranean with around 5 million inhabitants, the capital Palermo, a jellyfish with three legs in the coat of arms, which symbolises the relatively triangular shape of the island and a long and rich history of several thousand years BC.
The idea crossed my mind to initially try to get to know a place from a distance and then check if the preconceptions and stereotypes about it are true, going there and thoroughly travelling all over the island. Some insight on Sicily we got from channel Моя Планета broadcasts and films "Baarìa" (2009) and "Malena" (2000).
From movie „Baarìa” and „Malèna”
But we wanted not just see but also taste Sicily which is why I made Larisa try some Sicilian wines this time. The wine event was not disappointing - it rather brought us some new discoveries and I even fell in love with one of the wines which comes directly from the foothills of volcano Etna.
The small Sicily produces 35% of all Italian wines, what in size can be compared to a separate continent of Australia. Sicily has 24 wine regions, which are mainly concentrated in the western area of the island in the Trapani region even though there are vines in the southern area next to Etna and on the small islands of volcanic origin, along the coast of Sicily. Sicilian wine map -http://www.delongwine.com/Sicily_Wine_Map.pdf
Sicily Wine Map - www.cellartours.com
The first wine to taste - Donnafugata Vigna di Gabri 2009 from 65% Ausonica (the oldest Sicilian grape) and 25% Chardonnay grapes. The aroma was filled with the typical acidity of Chardonnay which is also enjoyable taste-wisely that reminds of green apples. Interestingly that a project can be found on the Donnafugata website - wine & music, where a background song has been recorded for enjoying each wine. For example, for this wine they offer to listen to Rita Lee - Agora Só Falta Você. I would choose this wine but not this song.
We enjoyed the wine together with soft cheese and olives wrapped in grape leaves but it also goes together with seafood, white meat and vegetables.
The next white wine Planeta Alastro 2009 from Chardonnay and Grecanico grapes. A bright yellow shade, initially has a weak aroma, acidity but unobtrusive. The taste of white chocolate. Gentle, to me it even seemed too gentle. With it we had a plate of tuna, tomatoes, dried olives, yellow peppers and green salad with grape seed oil dressing.
Also this winery Planeta has a well elaborated website where you can read everything about each wine from the technological production process, colour, taste, consistency to the design and elements used in it. For example, the name and the label design of this wine come from blooming bushes with yellow blossoms in the area of lake Arancio.
Planeta CRU Chardonnay 2008 - deep yellow, of thick consistency, a classic Chardonnay. The taste of citrus and butter.
Then followed the wine we both fell in love with, so the next day we went to the wine shop "Arka" after one more bottle to be able to enjoy it in a homely atmosphere. Yes, that`s the one! Ulysse Etna Rosso 2006 – D.O.C. - red wine from Nerello Mantellatoand Nerello Cappuccio grapes. The wine was aged in oak barrels. The taste of fume, plum and vanilla. It is not heavy, the tannins are OK.
The vines in the foothill of Etna. Black soil, which results from volcanic emissions, adds a specific taste to the grapes. Only recently wineries started to grow vines and make wine out of them in the foothill of Etna relatively recently but already now they sell tasty wines. We enjoyed it together with roast beef, peppered salami, olives, and dried tomatoes.
The fifth wine Donnafugata Sedara 2008 from Nero d’Avola (one of the most popular read grapes in Sicily) grapes. Aged 9 months in cement barrels. Colour - dark red, the flavour - much like a ripen cherry. Taste - dark cherry, round, no heaviness or tannins. I guess this is what makes the Sicilian wines differ from Italian wines. The sound has made the taste round.
Wine from the same grapes - Planeta Santa Cecilia 2006. Aged twelve months in 225l oak barrels. The aroma of red fruits, plums and licorice. I always want to say about these wines - for smelling, not drinking. The aroma is appealing. The taste has a note of spices, tannins are felt. The aftertaste differs and becomes much smoother.
Pellegrino Cantine Marsala Finefor desert from Nero d’Avola grapes. The wine is fortified with brandy, solid 18%. The aroma rather similar to port wine, only smoother. A sweet and spicy taste. Served together with chocolate or chocolate sweets.
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