Need recommendations for wineries to visit in Sicily

WINE TALK
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Partner in my wife’s law firm will be in Sicily in July and asked for recommendations re wineries to visit…Wd appreciate some recommendations

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I just did a long trip to Sicily in May and loved it. We visited Benanti, I Vigneri di Salvo Foti, and Barone di Villagrande on Etna (close by to Catania or Taormina), Arianna Occhipinti in Vittoria (this was a bit of a haul for us while staying on Etna but made for a fun day trip with a swing through Modica and Syracusa/Ortigia), as well as Marco de Bartoli and Nino Barraco in Marsala (this was an easy day trip while staying in Palermo). We booked our appointments about a month in advance and didn’t run into any problems, but since they are visiting in the peak season I’d encourage them to book their visits sooner rather than later.

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thanks, appreciate the info, especially the need to make reservations

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Terre Nere is supposed to be a great visit.

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If you’re on the Southwest side of the island, Cantine Barbera (outside of Menfi, Menfi DOC), produces marvellous whites with a noticeable hint of salinity. They offer a great line-up at tastings. Biodynamic Vineyards in Sicily - Cantine Barbera - Vino Menfi Sicilia

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I’ve visited Cornelissen, Terre Nere, Pietradolce (impressive building) and Calabretta (the winery looks like a car body shop, but the wines are really good) in Etna.
In the south, Occhipinti, COS and Gulfi.
I would heartly recommend making a trip to one of Sicily’s hidden gems called Piazza Amerina, where you’ll find an impressible preserved Roman villa. If you decide to go there, you may want to visit Nicolo Grippaldi.

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Piazza Armarina is amazing but does take a long time to get to, it’s almost directly in the middle of the island, really cool though.

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thank you

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appreciate the input and I love whites with salinity…unfortunately, I am not going

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sounds good to me…I really appreciate the feedback and info from everyone…Long story short, 2 high power attorneys and a family priest are making the trip. the other attorney has family in Sicily…So, not quite " 2 attorneys and a priest walk into a winery" but I am sure I will hear some great stories when they get back. …

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A few summers ago I did: Girolamo Russo, Frank C, Calabretta, Ciro Biondi, and further south on Pantelleria, Serraghia (Gabrio Bini).

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thanks, other than Frank C, the others are new to me…

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I really enjoyed Girolamo Russo, Terre Nerre. Occhipinti sent us to Src, which is close to Terre Nerre and also very good. I agree about the three mentioned by Mariano in the Vittoria region.

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this is all North/East etna only - Sicily is a big place… the household names (frank C, terre nere) etc price accordingly and are pretty steep ($150-200+). If it’s two high powered lawyers that’s probably not an issue but I think the sweet spot is in the next tier down- many of which are mentioned already: girolamo russo, i custodi, graci, i vigneri salvo foti would be my top 4.

Geography is also important and wineries are spread out around the base. If they aren’t diehard winos that “need” to try certain places, chosing spots that are conveniently located is as important, and will still deliver great wines and great views. On that list I would include Cottanera, Palmento costanzo, passopisciaro. Somebody mentioned SRC which is a great call for a small family-run experience if name/label recognition doesn’t matter at all and you’ll never find the wines again without effort. Filippo Grasso is also in that category and next door.

edit ps. as I read this thread I realize this is a month old and the trip was July. Oh well- I will leave my post here in case it helps someone in the future. Let us know where they went!

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thanks for the terrific info, Kyle…As you point out, it cd definitely be a great source of info for WBers in the future. They are still in Sicily and no clue, so far,re what, if any,wine touring they have done…They call my wife occasionally to touch base about things going on at the office but no discussions re wine that I am aware of…Even called her from the beach the other day…Will update when they get back…

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If you make it to Piazza Amerina, I’d recommend seeing if you can visit Lamoresca, run by Filippo Rizzo.

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This is correct!

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If I was going to Sicily depending on what the specifics of the trip were going to be, I’d try to visit:

Graci
Occhipinti
COS
Gulfi
Terre Nere
+/- Salvo Foti

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Benanti. We did the tasting and light lunch, the light lunch was an incredible meal!

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I put the other Sicily thread into ChatGPT and it spit out:

Arianna Occhipinti (Vittoria) SP68, Frappato, Nero d’Avola Siccagno, and various single-vineyard bottlings
Gulfi (Nero d’Avola specialist, Noto region) elevating Nero d’Avola to new heights
Gulfi – Historic Nero d’Avola Vertical Tasting
Calabretta (Etna) old-school approach and value
Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie (from very old vines, often released nearly a decade late) was highlighted again and again
The 2011 VV is awesome…great
their variable multi-vintage blend (“Cala Cala”), which can be hit-or-miss
Tenuta delle Terre Nere (Etna)
Passopisciaro – Vini Franchetti (Etna) The wines are noted to be a bit more polished and consistent than some of the very funky natural wines, but still deeply expressive of Etna
wines need a lot more time in general
Runner ups
COS (Vittoria) was often named in the same breath as Occhipinti as a benchmark winery
Benanti (Etna) was a favorite for some, especially for whites and its long track record
Palari (Faro) despite only a couple of mentions, got glowing feedback