Frappato

Classic bruschetta features fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil atop toasted bread, creating a vibrant appetizer with bright acidity and herbal notes. The recommended pairings complement bruschetta's freshness without overwhelming its delicate flavors, while providing enough structure to stand up to the garlic and acidity of the tomatoes.

Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant dish with sweet and sour flavors from vinegar, capers, and sometimes raisins or pine nuts, creating a complex flavor profile that demands beverages with bright acidity. The tanginess and Mediterranean vegetable flavors pair beautifully with Sicilian wines that can match the dish's acidity while complementing its rustic character.

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish featuring eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and ricotta salata, creating a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors. The recommended wine pairings complement the dish's Mediterranean profile with medium-bodied reds that have enough acidity to cut through the richness while matching the tomato sauce's acidity and the eggplant's earthy character.

Sicilian caponata is a sweet and sour eggplant dish with complex layers of flavor from vinegar, capers, olives, and celery. The wine and beer pairings complement the dish's acidity and vegetable flavors while providing refreshing counterpoints to the rich, tangy profile.

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.

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.