Dario’s Tutored Tasting of Sicilian Wines at Orrery Epicerie

If you don’t know your Marsala from your elbow and you think Zibibbo is a character in the Magic Roundabout read on…

De Bartoli, Marsala Riserva 10yo NV
6 mths aged Grillo based solera topped up with a “mistellla” mix of Inzolia and Inzolia brandy
Rich nutty and fruity notes, good acidity and mouth filling, nutty and lemony notes continue on the palate with a dry to off dry finish.
Matched with: Gorgonzola cheese canapes

De Bartoli, Zibibbo “Pietra Nera” 2007
100% Zibibbo (aka Muscat of Alexandria), aged 6 months in new and old barrels
The best showing wine of the evening, vibrant and fresh version of Muscat, very well balanced body, notes of ripe agrumes and white pepper, balanced by good acids and minerals. It would be a great aperitif too. Far superior to the 06.
Matched with: Smoked salmon with rosemary

COS, Cerasulo di Vittoria Classico 2006
70% Frappato, 30% Nero d’Avola, aged in terraotta amphores and big old barrels for 18 months
The usual phenomenal stuff…
Floral notes of violets and roses, slightly reductive but fine nose (we decanted it), fresh on the palate, sweet and firm tannins, some nice minerals, very pleasant to drink. Worth serving at 15C.
Matched with: the whole range of previously mentioned foods, as well as vegetables.

COS, Nero d’Avola Syre 2003
100% Nero d’Avola, aged 2 years in barrels
Ripe cherry and plummy notes, impenetrable colour, very rich but sweet tannins, a bit closed on the nose, worth ageing it for some more time.
Matched with: aubergines, oil and cherry tomatoes

Palari, Faro 2005
50% Nerello Mascalese, 45% Nerello Cappuccio, 5% Nocera (don’t trust me for the %)
Very young, maybe too young. This is not at all a fruit-wine: notes of undergrowth, liquorice, leather and aromatic herbs and spice. Rich body and rich acidity.
Matched with: meat and pastry rolls

De Bartoli, Passito di Pantelleria “Bukkuram” 05
100% Zibibbo, half of it picked up and dried on little casks in early August (to bring acidity), half harvested late Aug-early Sep to bring more sugar.
Deep golden colour, almost amber. A rich spectrum of flavours on the nose: ripe raisins, figs, aromatic herbs, flowers… Imagine yourself in a luscious harem full of pleasures.
The nose continues on the palate with the same impressions, enriched by a good acidity that helps the drinkability.
This 05 is just fantastic; a great wine!