Grillo

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 con le sarde is a classic Sicilian dish featuring the bold, savory flavors of sardines combined with fennel, pine nuts, and often raisins, creating a complex umami profile with sweet undertones. Mediterranean white wines with bright acidity cut through the richness of the fish while complementing the dish's briny notes, while effervescent, dry beers with citrus notes refresh the palate between bites of this seafood pasta.

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 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.

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.