A recent tasting of Sicilian wines hosted by Sileno Enoteca, a renowned Italian wine and food importer was disappointing except for one gem. The entrepreneurial presenter did his best to lyrically build up expectation but as I have said before ignore the heavenly choir description and form your own view. Then question price v quality.
2016 Rallo Bianco Maggiore DOC $35. 89 points
Roasted almonds, limey long lingering finish.
2015 Benanti Etna Bianco DOC $45. 87 pts
This Mt Edna was slightly green on the palate, non descript, easy drinking with good acidity. An expensive quaffer.
2015 Paolo Cali “Jazz” Frappato/Nero d’Avola IGT $33. 87 pts
Colour lacked the Nero ‘d Avola dark impact. A light style blessed with cherries, vanilla and rather floral.
2015 Benanti Etna Rosso DOC $44. 87 pts
Distinct plum, very dry finish. No value here.
2012 Benanti Nerello Cappuccio IGT $59. 94 pts.
When poured it was very smokey, cigar box but left for 30 mins it changed to a nose of cherries. dried fruit and finished long and smooth.
2011 Barone Sergio Nero d’ Avola DOC $35. 95 pts.
Dark colour, bold with plum, licorice and fine tannins. No oak.
VALUE!
2009 Virgona Malvasia delle Lipari Passito $75, 97 pts.
Wonderful way to finish the night. Nose of marmalade, orange and nuts. Delicious fruit explosion and no sugar evident. Finished long and smooth. Great with vanilla ice cream. Great wine but note the price!
