The old-fashioned way (using foot stomping and a wicker wheel), on the left, and the modern way (stainless steel equipment), on the right, to macerate wine grapes.
Tag: vini
Grape Spotting
Depending on the region of the island (Sicily has many microclimates.), the grape harvest has started. These Nerello Mascalese grapes, indigenous to Etna, are not yet ready, but the wine maker is measuring the grapes’ vitals every day to strike when the moment is right.
Sunset Pairing
Today, during our private family heritage tour, it was a day of food and wine. A hands-on cooking class in the morning, then a winery tour and tasting with dinner pairing this evening. The wines were so varied and complex… A straight Nero d’Avola that was smokey with cherry overtones; a fruity Grillo, and a…
Keep Your Eyes on Sicilian Wines
Starting on Friday, Oct. 21, the Sudest Wine Fest a Siracusa takes place in Ortigia. Within the charming setting of the Antico Mercato di Ortigia, cooking demos, street food offerings, theater presentations, jazz music performances will please attendees, and of course, wine tastings will take center stage. I can only hope that the spectacular wines…
The Grapes of Sicilian Wine
The terraces and stone walls of Randazzo on Mount Etna’s north face make for a special environment to grow grapes from ancient vines. Grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino grow about a half a mile above sea level, where the salty sea winds meet fresh, crisp mountain air that converges with volcanic,…
Wine Connection
Connecting people to their heritage in Sicily brings me great joy, and this weekend I was thrilled to be able to connect two sisters to Sicily, this time through wine. They explained that their last name is Aitala, and asked if I knew how they could purchase the Sicilian wine of the same name. Well,…
Vineyard Hopping
Vineyards around Mount Etna produce remarkable wines. Each vineyard has its own personality and approach to wine making. Many combine grapes from different parts of the island with those grown on the slopes of the volcano. The result is a bouquet of aromas and flavors that range from lemony citrus and earthy olive to nutty…