Sicily

If you could bottle the essence of a volcano, it might taste something like this. Alta Mora (meaning 'high black') refers to the high-altitude black volcanic soils of Mount Etna where these vines struggle to survive – and produce something magical in the process. This is wine with a genuine sense of place, made from indigenous Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the slopes of Europe's most active volcano. The Cusumano family, already established winemakers in other parts of Sicily, started this project to showcase the unique terroir of Etna. The result is a wine that balances elegance with wild energy – think Pinot Noir's sophisticated cousin who has a slightly dangerous past. There's a mineral intensity here that can only come from volcanic soil, along with a freshness that defies Sicily's warm reputation. For anyone tired of the same old international varieties, this bottle offers a fascinating detour into one of Italy's most exciting wine regions.

Marsala – yes, the same one you've seen in chicken marsala – is one of Italy's great fortified wines with a history dating back centuries. Ostinato's Fine Ambra Dolce is a sweet (dolce) amber (ambra) style that showcases the traditional character of this Sicilian classic. Produced primarily from the Grillo grape and fortified with neutral grape spirits, this Marsala undergoes a controlled oxidative aging process that develops its distinctive nutty, caramelized flavors. While many only know Marsala as a cooking wine, traditional versions like this are meant for sipping – preferably after dinner with some blue cheese or almond biscotti. The 'Fine' designation means it's been aged for at least one year, developing complexity while maintaining vibrant fruit character. It's the perfect introduction to the world of quality fortified wines and a delicious way to end a meal with something a bit different from the usual suspects.

Mary Taylor's collaboration with Annamaria Sala brings us this delightful Sicilian red – a wine that captures the sun-drenched character and volcanic influence that makes this island's wines so distinctive. Sala's deep connection to her native Sicily informs every aspect of this authentic regional expression. The blend of indigenous varieties creates a wine that could only come from Sicily – vibrant, expressive, and with that distinctive Mediterranean character that transports you straight to the island. Grown on volcanic soils under the intense Sicilian sun, these grapes develop remarkable flavor concentration while maintaining freshness and balance. Mary Taylor's commitment to highlighting authentic regional wines allows this genuine expression to reach wine lovers without corporate markup or marketing fluff. It's like having a Sicilian friend send you a bottle from their favorite local producer – authentic, characterful, and a true taste of place.

Mary Taylor's collaboration with Clara Sala brings us this authentic Sicilian white – a blend of indigenous varieties that perfectly captures the island's unique combination of Mediterranean sunshine and volcanic soils. Sala's family has been growing these native grapes for generations, giving her an intimate understanding of how to express their character. The combination of Grillo and Catarratto creates a wine that could only come from Sicily – bright and expressive, with that distinctive saline quality that comes from vineyards with a view of the Mediterranean. The volcanic soils impart a distinctive mineral character that balances the generous fruit notes developed under the Sicilian sun. Mary Taylor's commitment to highlighting authentic regional wines means this bottle delivers a genuine taste of Sicily without the marketing markup. It's like taking a quick Mediterranean vacation with each sip – transportive, refreshing, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Prodigo's Nero d'Avola Appasite takes Sicily's signature red grape and gives it a fascinating twist. The 'appasite' in the name refers to the partial drying of the grapes before fermentation – similar to the technique used for Amarone – which concentrates the flavors and adds remarkable complexity. Nero d'Avola is already known for producing bold, sun-drenched reds, but this partially dried version takes things to another level. The result is a wine with impressive depth and richness while maintaining the distinctive Mediterranean character that makes Sicilian wines so appealing. It's the perfect winter red – warming, complex, and satisfying – but with enough freshness to keep it from feeling heavy. This is the kind of bottle that makes you reconsider what you thought you knew about Sicilian wine.

Ramona's Organic Ruby Grapefruit Spritz combines organic Sicilian wine with natural ruby grapefruit flavors to create a ready-to-drink spritzer that's essentially a vacation in a can. It's what would happen if an Italian aperitivo and a grapefruit had a particularly delicious baby – refreshing, not too sweet, and dangerously easy to drink. With its modest alcohol content and perfect balance of bitter and sweet, this spritz is ideal for those moments when you want something more interesting than beer but less committal than a full bottle of wine. The organic ingredients mean you can tell yourself it's practically a health drink – which isn't remotely true, but is a nice thought to have while enjoying your second can. Perfect for people who appreciate quality but aren't above having fun with their beverages – because let's face it, sometimes the best wine is the one that doesn't require a corkscrew.

Ramona's Organic Meyer Lemon Spritz combines organic Sicilian wine with the distinctive flavor of Meyer lemons – those magical citrus fruits that somehow taste like a regular lemon that went to finishing school. The result is a sophisticated yet utterly approachable spritz that's ready to drink whenever you are, no mixing required. At just 7% ABV, this spritzer is the answer to the eternal summer question: 'How can I day drink responsibly while still maintaining my reputation as someone with good taste?' The organic certification adds a halo of virtue to the whole affair, allowing you to feel smugly superior while enjoying something that comes in a can. It's perfect for picnics, pool parties, or any situation where you want something light and refreshing that won't have you taking an unplanned nap by mid-afternoon.

If you've never encountered Frappato before, prepare to be charmed by this delightful Sicilian red. Portelli's version showcases everything that makes this indigenous variety special – bright fruit, aromatic complexity, and a refreshing lightness that's perfect for Mediterranean cuisine. Frappato is sometimes called Sicily's answer to Pinot Noir, and while that's a simplification, it gives you an idea of its elegant, medium-bodied character. Portelli farms their vineyards sustainably in the southeastern corner of Sicily, where the Mediterranean influence gives the wines a distinctive saline quality. This is the kind of red wine you can even serve with a slight chill on warmer days – versatile, food-friendly, and utterly refreshing. It's perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual suspects of the wine world and discover something with genuine personality.