Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia (DOC) 2022, 13.5% ABV
€16.00 Bubble Brothers
Green in the extreme. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials
There is no mistaking the Purato range's commitment—certified carbon neutral—to minimising the environmental impact of its excellent everyday wines.
Not only are they made from organically grown grapes, but the bottles, labels, and cartons for the range are, as far as possible, made from recycled
Vigneti Zabu “Il Passo Verde” Nero D’Avola Sicily (DOC) 2022, 13% ABV
RRP €18.95. Stockists: Bradleys, Matson’s, J J O’Driscoll, Baggot Street Wines
Martins Off Licence, The Wine Centre, McHughs Off Licences, Power & Co Fine Wines
Jus de Vine, The Vintry, Wineonline
the 2022 vintage perfectly displays the Sicilian terroir as never before
This 2022 Vigneti Zabu "Il Passo Verde" Nero D'Avola is a compelling Sicilian red, bursting with bold flavours and a complex structure. The deep ruby colour hints at the intensity within, while the aromas of cherry, plum, and a touch of spice tantalise the senses.
On the palate, the wine explodes with vibrant fruit flavours balanced by firm tannins and a lingering finish. The spice notes add a layer of complexity, making Il Passo Verde a true delight for red wine enthusiasts.
The Vigneti Zabu "Il Passo Verde" Nero D'Avola is a stunning exemplar of Sicilian winemaking. With its bold flavours, complex structure, and excellent ageing potential, it will impress.
A Taste of Sicily
Grapes are sourced from vineyards on the lakeside of Lake Arancio in Sambuca di Sicilia. The lake's crystal-clear waters create a unique microclimate that contributes to the wine's exceptional quality.
The 2022 vintage is a standout, showcasing the best of Sicilian terroir. The addition of Nero d'Avola grapes from vineyards near the sea brings a hint of saltiness to the final blend, adding even more character.
Vigneti Zabu is committed to producing organic wines of the highest quality. The grapes for this Nero D'Avola are carefully selected and fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. A portion of the wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels, adding complexity and structure. The powerful tannins indicate their excellent ageing potential. Cellar this bottle for a few years and watch it develop even more complexity and depth.
Zabu suggests pairing it with Medium-Aged Cheese, Meatballs, Roast Chicken, and Vegetables , while Wine Folly says, “Classic pairings include oxtail soup and beef stew.”
Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso Terre Siciliane (IGP) 2022, 14% ABV.
€17.00 Bubble Brothers.
Sun-kissed, silky-smooth and succulent, with plum and cherry character
Immerse yourself in the warmth of a Sicilian summer with the Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso, a delightful red blend that bursts with character and tastes of the Sicilian sunshine.
The Art of Appassimento
The name "Siccari" hints at the wine's unique production method. Siccari translates to "sun-drying" in the Sicilian dialect, referencing the Appassimento technique. In this age-old tradition, some of the grapes are partially dried before fermentation, concentrating their sugars and flavours. The result? A luxuriously textured wine bursting with intense fruit character and a long finish.
This particular Appassimento is a masterful blend. Nero d'Avola, Sicily's flagship red grape, takes centre stage at 75%, while 20% Shiraz adds a touch of international flair. A sprinkling of local grapes, principally Frappato, rounds out the blend.
A Feast for the Senses
Pour yourself a glass and be greeted by a captivating ruby robe. Swirl it gently and inhale the intoxicating aromas of ripe plum and juicy cherry. Take a sip, and experience the magic of Appassimento firsthand. The juiciest red fruit flavours explode on the palate, along with a touch of spice and a smooth, velvety texture. Gentle tannins ensure a lingering finish, leaving you wanting more.
Beyond the Bottle: Sustainability and Food Pairings
This impressive vino isn't just about taste. Purato is committed to sustainability, using organic grapes and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its production chain. Knowing your wine does good for the planet adds another layer of enjoyment.
As for food pairings, Bubble Brothers suggests this wine as the perfect partner for a hearty meal. Imagine it alongside grilled meats, rich pasta dishes, or a selection of hard cheeses. Purato, pointing to the wine's versatility.
The Verdict: Highly Recommended
If you're looking for a full-bodied, flavour-packed red wine with a touch of Italian sunshine, look no further than Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso. This impressive Appassimento offers exceptional value for money and is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, uncork a bottle,and raise a toast to la bella vita!
* Back to the label
Terre Siciliane IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) translates to "Protected Geographical Indication." This is a broader designation than Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and allows for slightly more relaxed winemaking regulations.
** #OrganicItaly
Occhipinti SP68 Bianco Terre Siciliane (IGT) 2022 11.0% ABV
RRP €29.95. Stockists: 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau
“A truly remarkable glass of white”
The colour is a deeper shade of gold than you might expect. This organic wine has spent 155 days maceration on the skins. The aromas are also quite complex, white flowers, moderate tropical fruit (think lychee, mango) and a mild spice.
Strongly aromatic, yet this blend of two little-known Sicilian varieties, 60% Zibibbo (a regional name for Muscat of Alexandria) and Albanella, is surprisingly light on its feet as it dances across the palate, unveiling layer after layer of flavour as you sip, and meditate, to a very satisfactory finish indeed.
It is packed with vivacious character, a drink to remember. As Le Caveau say: “A truly remarkable glass of white”. Full of juice, joy and vitality, this stellar wine is one to savour. Very Highly Recommended.
Arianna Occhipinti, the winemaker, learned the ropes as a 16-year-old from her uncle Giusto Occhipinti who is well-known for his use of Spanish amphorae at COS, a winery he founded in the area with two friends in 1980.
Arianna has been learning well before and since launching her own winery in 2006. She has a big interest in reviving forgotten Sicilian grapes and is indeed credited by the recently published VINO with bringing Frappato back to life “almost single-handedly” and has become a “rock star in the world of natural wine.”
All the vineyards are worked using biodynamic principals and the work in the cellar is measured…not pushing the wine in any way…letting it find its own space…..natural yeasts, no temperature control, no fining or filtration and minimal SO2 at bottling.
The SP68 is the name of the main road that passes near to Arianna’s home town of Vittoria….it lies in the far south of Sicily just to the west of Ragusa. She also produces a red SP68 and you may read a recent review of it here.
Her vines are grown organically, under the clear Iblean sky, with no chemical intervention. The farming system is Guyot and spurred cordon and the average age of the plants is 15 years. Harvest time is late September into early October.
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| Vines (via Occhipinti) |
In the winery, fermentation is with indigenous yeast and it spends 155 days of maceration on the skins, then 6 months in concrete tanks, plus 1 month in bottle, and there is no filtration.
#organicitaly
Ciello Rosso ‘Nero d’Avola’ Sicilia (DOP) 2022, 12.5% ABV
RRP: €14.50. Stockists include 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau
A Sicilian gem by the dynamic Vesco family
This sprightly Sicilian red, crafted by the dynamic Vesco family, is fighting fit and full of freshness and vitality. Made from organically grown Nero d'Avola grapes, it boasts a ruby hue (not quite the vino nero that it is often called) and an enticing bouquet of black plum, hints of coffee, and subtle chocolate notes. On the palate, the wine sings of the high hills with a pleasant spiciness and smooth dark fruit flavours.
Sustainable viticultural practices
Nearly two decades ago, the Vesco family took the helm at the winery, implementing sustainable viticultural practices and investing in cutting-edge technology. Their commitment to quality shines through in their organic vineyards perched high in the hills above Alcamo.
Ideal Terroir, Exceptional Results
Certified organic and planted on southeast-facing slopes with sandy soils (150-300 meters above sea level), the vineyards benefit from a climate perfectly suited for nurturing high-quality grapes.
Ciello Rosso's grapes are harvested earlier than many in the region, contributing to the wine's characteristically bright and fresh style. Night harvesting and modern temperature-controlled fermentation further ensure the vibrancy and freshness of the final product.
Stands out from the crowd
Ciello Rosso stands out from the crowd. Unlike some overripe styles, this Nero d'Avola offers a refreshing and contemporary expression of the grape. The result? A delightful and versatile wine, perfect for enjoying on its own or paired with food. See also our recent review of their matching white, the Ciello Blanco Cattarrato; both are terrific natural wines for everyday drinking, a pair perfect for conversation rather than meditation.
Ciello Bianco Catarratto Terre Siciliane (IGP) 2022, 12% ABV
"A great natural white for everyday drinking"
RRP: €14.50. Stockists include 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny
Le Caveau is well known, among other things of course, for their range of appealing house wines, and this Cantine Rallo Bianco is one of them. See and try it at both Ichigo Ichie and 51 Cornmarket along with its red sibling Nero D’Avola. Rallo vines are organically grown and the label boldly states that the fruit for the Bianco was harvested in the first ten days of September.
Colour is a hazy gold - the wine is unfiltered, hence the cloudiness. Aromas feature both floral and herbal elements. On the palate, it is full of energy and freshness with refined white fruit leading before a slightly salty finish. If you love a fragrant and crisp Italian white, you’ll hit the target with this gem from the island.
A great natural white for everyday drinking and, easily drunk, is also the perfect entry-level natural white wine. It is organic, unfiltered, and unfined.
Very Highly Recommended. Well priced too by the way.
Catarratto is a native grape in Sicily and the name means cataract or waterfall (not the cloudy thing in your eyes!). Why this name? According to Vino (2022), because of “the prodigal amounts of wine from what is the most common grape in Sicily and the second most common in all of Italy”.
It is ideal to pair with the Sicily's traditional pasta, such as pasta with sardines or with broccoli or still with soft cheeses. Good too with turbot, white meats and very appealing by itself!
Check out our Top Wines 2024 list (with stockists and short reviews) here
Looking for better value? All under 20 euro. Click here
Andrea Vesco, whose family bought the winery in the 90s, runs it with expert commitment personally and meticulously attends to all the stages of production from the cultivation of the grapes to the final bottling, with the strong support of a professional staff of 21 employees.
Since 2010, Rallo wines have been “produced and bottled at their origin by the grower”. Night harvesting and modern temperature-controlled fermentations result in bright, fresh, and outstanding wines. The results are evident in this fragrant, crisp Catarratto and its red sibling the perfumed, fresh Nero d'Avola.
Seductive and spicy, this Nero D’Avola will put a spell on you.
Baglio Antico Nero D’Avola Sicilia (DOP) 2020, 13% ABV.
RRP €21.95. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork
This full-bodied, ripe and juicy red from the sun-drenched Italian island of Sicily is produced from the island’s most important and most loved red wine grape Nero D’Avola. Our unoaked and organic wine is a terrific example of the variety.
The colour is a deep red. Dark berries and a little spice on the nose follow on to the palate. Packed with ripe black cherry fruit and hints of pepper, the supple wine has an immediately noticeable and deliciously refreshing acidity. A bright, fresh, modern wine, with a dry finish, it is an easy drinker for sure.
Highly Recommended.
The Baglio Rosso is 100% Nero d’Avola from certified organic vineyards. Short maceration of a week of whole bunch (40%) and destemmed (60%) grapes. Wild yeast, no sulphur, no fining, no filtration. It has been praised for its excellent balance. Serve at 14-16 °C with Red meat, game, and mature cheeses.
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A baglio is a courtyard at the centre of a walled, fortified estate, typical of rural Sicily. The history of the Cantine Rallo wine estate started in 1860 and Rallo was synonymous with quality, reliability and authenticity. At the end of the 90s, the Vesco family turned Cantine Rallo into a modern estate, producing wines organically. Andrea Vesco runs the winery, with expert commitment, personally and meticulously attending to all the stages of production from the cultivation of the grapes to the final bottling,.
The dark-skinned grape has a long history in Sicily and takes its name from the town of Avola. Much of that history though saw the grape used in blends in the island and on the mainland. Over the last few decades, there has been, thanks to producers such as the Vesco family, an upward turn for Nero D’Avola and it is now common to find it produced as a varietal wine.
Delightful Occhipinti from lands caressed by the Mediterranean.
Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Terre Siciliane (IGT) 2022, 11% ABV
RRP: €29.95. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork
This still, dry red wine (a blend of Frappato 70% Nero D'Avola 30%) is made by Arianna Occhipinti in the south-east corner of the Italian Island of Sicily
It has a bright and inviting ruby colour (reminiscent of Pinot Noir or Gamay). Aromas are gentle, with red fruits like wild cherries and raspberries, also floral notes, and herbal too. Plum and cherry and berry again in the strikingly delightful and stimulating progress on the palate. There is fine acidity and soft tannins in a beautiful easy-drinking wine.
Very Highly Recommended.
A delightful wine to sip and matches well with grilled meats, fish, roasted veg, and caramelised onions. Serve at 16-18° C.
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Check my list of top wines for 2023
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Check out my Good Value Wine List here
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The SP68 is the name of the main road that passes near to Arianna’s home town of Vittoria….it lies in the far south of Sicily just to the west of Ragusa. It is here that she has been making wine for the past ten years under the tutelage of her uncle, Giusto Occhipinti, who owns and runs the famous COS estate.
There is no rush either in the vineyard or the winery, ample time is allowed. “Biodiversity is the central theme of our farm. Contributing to maintaining this balance between plants, animals, small organisms and nature as a whole is our goal. We feel like custodians of this place in the south of Sicily, among its red sands, limestone and dry stone walls. Lands that look and listen to the Mediterranean. We believe in the dialogue between different crops as has always been done in our agricultural tradition.”
So, not just wine when you visit: here you may buy fruit, jam, juices, flour, olive oil, vegetables, even Grappa!
Interestingly, that southeast corner of the island is more southerly than the northern tip of Africa’s Tunisia. Indeed, Arianna’s town of Vittoria is more or less level with the city of Tunis, with Vittoria at 36.95 degrees, Tunis at 36.80. Vittoria though is certainly more southerly than the Tunisian seaside city of Bizerte, the northernmost city in Africa, with a latitude of 37.27. Cork, as you know, is at 51.89.
A Cabernet Franc Supreme. And an intriguing Sicilian white from red grapes.
Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc Anjou (AOC) 2017, 13%
RRP €43.99 Wineonline.ie - The Corkscrew - Blackrock Cellar - The Ely Wine Store, Maynooth - 64 Wine
A pretty deep red colour with a lighter rim. Aromas are fresh and intensely fruity. A terrific complexity on the palate but all’s in elegant harmony, that superb fruit and the fresh acidity, and that balance continues through the persistent and dry finish. Have liked this characterful variety since I spent a month in Chinon a few years back and this particular wine is Very Highly Recommended.
They say: This is certainly the direction in which we are trying to go. Healthy and balanced grapes, concentrated and vinified with finesse to tend towards delicacy and elegance. From red fruit to cooked fruit through black fruit, spices and a floral bouquet, this is a wine of beautiful complexity that invites indulgence. A velvety texture with silky tannins.
Pairings suggested are: Duck breast with red fruits or honey; Semi-cooked seared tuna and vegetables with butter sauce; Pan-fried chestnuts, chanterelles and quinoa…The best pairings are the ones that inspire you, and allow you to express yourself. Let your imagination run free…Serve at 16°C, do not hesitate to decant - good advice!
This was bottled on a “fruit day”, meaning that your Clau de Nell is not just organic but biodynamic. Think you may be interested in the info on their data sheet.
Age: vines from 45 to 55 years. Pruning: mixed Guyot Techniques: covering the vine stock with soil in autumn, ploughing-down in spring, tilling and natural grassing. Growing methods: biodynamic practices, infusions and plant decoctions, depending upon the lunar calendar. Yield: about 40 hl/ha Harvest: handpicking in 12 kg crates, sorting at the parcel when fully ripened. • Winemaking De-stemmed harvest, native yeast, 30-day maceration without extraction. Gentle cap punching, limited pumping over, infusion techniques. Pressing: slow and gentle pressing in a pneumatic press. • Maturing 12 months on fine lees in Burgundy casks (228L) used 5 to 7 times, followed by 6 months in vats. Bottling: without filtration or fining on a “fruit day.”
Terrazze dell'Etna, `Ciuri` Etna Bianco 2017, 13%
RRP €26.99. Wineonline.ie - Grapevine - The Corkscrew - The Ely Wine Store, Maynooth
'Ciuri' is made from Nerello Mascalese, an indigenous Sicilian red wine grape, in this case vinified 'in Bianco' without the skins. A similar if better-known example of the technique is used in Champagne to produce white from Pinot Noir, the blanc de noirs. The Ciuri is unoaked with great depth and intensity and wonderful length.
Pale straw is the colour, clean and bright. Fresh floral notes, exotic fruit too on the nose. Fresh and fruity (citrusy) and certainly minerally in the mouth. This youthful gem has been aged for six months in stainless-steel and then also in bottle before release. I don’t think you need keep it bottled up any longer. Just open and enjoy. Highly Recommended.
They say: From the volcanic soil of Etna comes this sapid and “high mineralised” wine. A unique wine characterised by a vibrant floral heart on the nose, a synthesis of the elegance of the grape, Nerello Mascalese, and the personality of the soil.
Professor Antonio Bevilacqua is an engineer by profession and has a very successful business, based in Palermo and Milan. He is very proud of his Sicilian origins, and in 2007 he decided to start buying land in Etna with a view to producing the best wines possible.
Today he has 35 hectares of vineyard with another 20 that he rents and manages, all situated at an altitude of between 600 and 900 metres above sea level. This altitude ensures warm days and cool nights, while the volcanic soil is low vigour, ensuring wines of great intensity and a lovely perfume from low-yielding vines.
His consultant oenologist is Riccardo Cotarella, who has successfully managed to marry the delicate intensity of the wines from Etna with a freshness and definition that few others have achieved.
