Sicilian Wines for Springtime

This week, I’m back with some delightful Italian wines to highlight. But there are no oaky, burly, highly tannic reds in these Sicilian selections. Spring has spring where I live in the Mid-Atlantic and, I’m stoked for the warm days ahead, bird migration kicking in, and taking some time to travel. we’re not too far away from the hot and humid days ahead.

Recently I tasted through a selection of Sicilian wines that were bright, zesty whites and reds that are perfect for Spring and into Summer. They also represent a diversity of styles and some perhaps lesser-known varieties. I am a huge fan of these volcanic island wines and their unique flourishes and spices. And the reds tend to retain this zippy, fresh, grill-friendly appeal that keeps me coming back. Sicily’s Donnafugata never disappoints, and they offer a wide variety of classic grapes and styles with interesting takes.

And the cherry on top is – most of these wines provide a ton of value. (Disclaimer: I know the tariff situation is tumultuous and chaotic, but these wines were imported a while back.)

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2023 Donnafugata Lighea - Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $25

Light yellow color. A bursting tropical display of goodness on the nose – we’re talking peach and guava nectar, yellow and orange flowers, glazed pear, some honey, a hint of graham cracker. The palate is richly texture but shows moderating acidity, making for a creamy, juicy wine. Flavors of ripe pears, orange peel, guava, and white peach blend well with tones of tropical flowers, dried pineapple, and hints of chalk dust, sea salt, and honey. Really complex but also just super fun and friendly. Made from the indigenous Zibibbo grape. (91 points)

2022 Sallier de la Tour Inzolia Sicilia - Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $16
Light yellow color. The nose pops with bright sea salt over top of lemons and limes, mixed with tropical flowers, white peaches, some steely, flinty vibes as well. The palate is racy and taut with a crunchy vibe but some nice textural depth as well. Vibrant and briny with flavors of lime, green apple, and kiwi, backed up by sea salt, minerals, crushed limestone, and some dried honey. Lots of fun, quite complex, and highly versatile wine for warmer months. (91 points)

2022 Stemmari Grillo Sicilia - Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
SRP: $10
Medium yellow color. Peachy keen on the nose with floral perfume, celery seed, mint, sage, with all sorts of spiced tea and tropical fruit and floral notes. The palate is crisp and salty but with a tropical richness, and flavors of pineapple, kiwi, and quince. Bright tones of chalk dust, saline, and river stones, along with some white flowers and celery seed. Fun, fresh, and summery. (89 points)

2022 Banfi Piemonte Gavi Principessa Gavia - Italy, Piedmont, Gavi
SRP: $17
Light yellow color. Aromas pop with lively lemons, nectarine peel, and white peaches, topped in basil, breezy fields of wildflowers, some crushed seashells and chalk. The palate is punchy and crisp with zesty acidity and flavors of white peaches, limes, and tangy oranges. Bright and crunchy with chalk, sea salt, white flowers, and rosewater tones. Fun, tangy, seafood and Summer-friendly stuff. (89 points)

2022 Donnafugata Bell'Assai Frappato - Italy, Sicily, Vittoria DOC
SRP: $27

Light purple color. The nose shows a delightful mix of red fruits (raspberry, red plums), along with all sorts of herbs, black pepper, and cool tones of mesquite and barbecue sauce. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with dusty tannins and vibrant acidity, making for a fun and balanced wine. Tangy raspberries and red cherries, along with white pepper, oregano, mesquite, and tobacco. Chewy but fresh, finishing with tones of barbecue sauce and dried roses. Bust out this wine and the grill, and fun times will abound. (91 points)

2020 Tenuta Tascante Etna Ghiaia Nera - Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC
SRP: $22
Light ruby color. Aromas of fresh raspberries and cherries, topped in savory spices, coffee grounds, rose petals, tobacco, some clove – lots of fun. The palate is smooth and ripe with plush tannins and flavors of tart cranberries and red and black cherries. The fruit is mixed with cool elements of clay, tobacco, rose hips, along with earthy vibes, graphite, and dried roses and violets. Delicious stuff, balanced nicely, and love the nuance. (90 points)

2021 Cantine Pellegrino Nero d'Avola Gazzerotta - Italy, Sicily, Terre Siciliane
SRP: $23 

Deep ruby color. The nose sports jammy raspberries and black cherries, with notes of tobacco, tar, mocha, sage, campfire – earthy and spicy but so inviting. The palate has dusty tannins and fresh acidity, setting the stage for red and black currants and cherries. The fruit is tossed with notes of tobacco, roasted meats, black pepper, along with some minerals and charcoal. Deep, spicy, savory, earthy, this is delicious and intriguing. (90 points)