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Everything you need to know about Sicilia DOC – Part 1: Main Grape Varieties

updated on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025Leave a Comment on Everything you need to know about Sicilia DOC – Part 1: Main Grape Varieties

If there’s one thing Sicily is famous for (besides jaw-dropping landscapes and amazing street food), it’s wine. I got to …

A Puglian hidden treasure – Verdeca, and an interesting experiment with it by Giovanni Aiello

updated on October 30, 2022October 29, 2022

On my latest trip to Italy in early June, I have been on a press trip near the town of …

🍇 GRAPE TALK: EPISODE 31: Cabernet Sauvignon. 🍷 With the world’s most famous red grape—bold, age-worthy, and packed with history. ⬇️ ☝️ First, save this post for your wine studies and follow for more grape discoveries! 1️⃣ In 1997, scientists at UC Davis made the discovery—Cabernet Sauvignon is the unexpected offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc! Its name even hints at its wild origins, with “Sauvignon” coming from the French word sauvage (meaning “wild”). 🍇 2️⃣ This grape was first cultivated in Bordeaux, France, in the 17th century and quickly became a superstar. Thanks to its thick skins and natural resistance to disease, it thrived in vineyards, producing powerful, structured wines. Today, it’s planted in nearly every major wine region, from Napa to Australia and beyond! 3️⃣ Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its firm tannins, giving it remarkable aging potential. The high tannins and acidity help it evolve for 10+ years, developing complex notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite.🍷 4️⃣Cabernet Sauvignon vines are tough and adaptable, growing in a range of climates and soils. However, it truly thrives in gravelly, well-drained soils like those in Bordeaux’s Médoc region. Fun fact: its small, thick-skinned berries have a high ratio of skin to juice, which is why Cab wines are so deep in color and rich in flavor! 🍷 What’s your favorite Cabernet region—classic Bordeaux, bold Napa, or something more unexpected?⬇️ Photo by @anna.besko 📸 #GrapeTalk #CabernetSauvignon #WineLovers #WineTime #WineTasting #WinePairing #WineCulture #GrapeVarieties #WineTerroir #WineEducation #WineEnthusiast #WineExploration #WineAdventures #RedWine
THE ONE WHO'S ALWAYS LATE TO THE PARTY...🥳 Yep, THE ONE WHO'S ALWAYS LATE TO THE PARTY...🥳 Yep, that's me! But when I come, I always bring something good! So here is my contribution to the very late celebration of Chinese New Year: ⬇️ So much story behind this bottle...🍾 A Chinese wine🍷 from Ningxia🇨🇳, where most of the wine production is happening right now. The wine is made by Lenz Moser @lenz_m_moser a 15th-generation Austrian🇦🇹 winemaker, who had the idea: Why aren't we making something here that no one else is❓️ ➡️ This is how this wine came to life. The very first Cabernet Sauvignon🍇 from China, vinified as a white wine.🍷 When you pour this light peach-colored wine into the glass, you already see you have something different in your glass. 👉 Then you smell it. Red berry fruits, sweet candied raspberry, grapefruit, with some exotic fruits in an intense nose. Now, have a sip. Lots of freshness, which is explained later when I learn the vines come from 1,100 meters of altitude.⛰️ A dry wine but with those sweet fruits on the palate, a light body, and great for food pairing—I would just order a big sushi plate with it.🍣 ☝️No, it is not the most complex wine I have ever had, but definitely one of the most enjoyable and approachable one.🤗 Good that I have a decent amount in my cellar because I love to show this wine to sommeliers in Vienna, and I love the reaction! So positively surprised!😍 PS.: If you're a somm in Vienna and haven't tried it, drop me a DM! Let me give you a taste!😉 Have you heard about Changyu Moser @changyumoserxv wines? If yes, what's your opinion?⬇️ #chinesewine #chinesenewyear #cabernetsauvignon #blancdenoir #whitewine #winelover #wineenthusiast #winetasting #sommelier #vienna #wien #winelist #winepairing #wineexperience #wineeducation #wineculture #finewine #foodandwine #sushiandwine
🍇 GRAPE TALK: EPISODE 30: Grillo 🍷I am back 🍇 GRAPE TALK: EPISODE 30: Grillo 🍷I am back with a focus on one of Sicily’s brightest stars: Grillo. Let me continue to talk more about Sicily 🇮🇹 and its main varieties!⬇️ ☝️ First, save this post for your wine studies, and don’t forget to follow me for more grape adventures! 1️⃣ Grillo’s story begins in 1873, but its rise in popularity came after the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century. Replanted extensively in Sicily’s Trapani province, it gained importance, particularly in the production of Marsala wine. 2️⃣ Molecular studies revealed that Grillo is a cross between Catarratto and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria). Interestingly, it shares its identity with Rossese Bianco, a variety grown in Liguria, showcasing its versatility and adaptability. 3️⃣ Grillo buds late and ripens early, completing a short vegetative cycle. It produces musts with high sugar content and a balanced acidity dominated by tartaric acid. 4️⃣ Thriving in Sicily’s sunny, dry climate, Grillo produces wines that are fresh and citrusy, with flavors of grapefruit and passion fruit. Some are light and easy-drinking, while others, aged in barrels, reveal richer, more complex layers. How thoses Grillo wines tastes like on the cover photo? 🍇Check out my tasting notes in my latest article—link in bio! Do you have a favorite Grillo wine? Share your recommendations in the comments! 🍷 #GrapeTalk #Grillo #SicilianWine #Marsala #ItalianWine #WineLovers #WineTasting #WineCulture #WineEducation #WineAdventures #DiscoverWine #WhiteWine #WineTerroir #WineBlog
What do you think? Is it an addiction? 🍷 I won What do you think? Is it an addiction? 🍷 I won't go too deep into the subject—it’s more for fun and entertainment—but for me, it’s all about moderation. Like everything else in life. ✨ I wrote TASTE instead of DRINK for a reason. There’s a big difference here, in my opinion. What’s your point of view? Enjoy your wine life 🍇🍷, and don’t forget to follow for more fun and wine education! 🎉 Important Reminder: This post is intended for those of legal drinking age and is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please enjoy responsibly. 🙌 #Sommlife #SommLifestyle #Sommeliers #WineBusiness #WineIndustry #WineKnowledge #WineStudies #WineLovers #WineFacts #WineFun #WineExpert #WineWriter #winecontentcreator
DYNAMIC DUO FROM SICILY.🇮🇹 A winery for the DYNAMIC DUO FROM SICILY.🇮🇹 A winery for the new generation led by two young brothers, Francesco and Giuseppe Brugnano...⬇️ 👉 These two handsome gentlemen took over the @brugnano_wines winery at a very young age from their father and grandfather. The latter was the founder in the 1970s. The brothers have been in charge since 2022. 🤗 On my second day of the Sicilian press trip last year, I had the chance to visit their estate, located in Partinico, in northwestern Sicily. They own 72 hectares of vineyards🍇 where the focus is on the native varieties; the international grapes mainly appear in blends. ☝️Back to my statement that it is a winery for the new generation. Why, you ask? 💁‍♀️As I mentioned, just look at them. But also, since they took charge, they have changed the wine labels to modernize their look, as well as moving towards sustainability, not just in the vineyards. Installing solar panels was one of the first steps, just like shipping wines via boats in Sicily to cut CO2 emissions.🌿 🍷The wines’ character speaks to the younger generation. They are approachable but with a quality statement. I have tried three Sicilia DOC wines from their selection. ➡️ Lunario: A 100% Grillo from 2023, a light and fresh wine with pear, lemon, tomato leaf, some basil, and peach. The palate shows a light body with balanced alcohol-acidity. It has a lovely saline tone with citrus and stone fruits. ➡️ Naisi: A blend of 75% Nero d'Avola and 25% Cabernet. It has only seen steel tanks. More red fruits on the nose than spices, ripe dark cherries, strawberry with black currant, cinnamon, and pepper. The palate is fresh and juicy with ripe tannins with fruit dominance again; the spices come through in the long aftertaste. 👌At the end, we tasted the top wine of the winery, but I will share the notes on my blog very soon! Until then, feel free to explore more about my Sicilian trip in my latest article!😍 ❗️Link in bio❗️
SOStain SYMPOSIUM IN SICILY! 🍷Throwback to my t SOStain SYMPOSIUM IN SICILY! 🍷Throwback to my time in Palermo where I have learned so many fascinating facts! Let me tell you about them... ⬇️ 😍 Last October, I had the pleasure of attending the SOStain symposium in Palermo🇮🇹—the first day of my 3-day press trip to discover @wineofsiciliadoc SiciliaDOC wines.🍷 👉 Held at the stunning Marina Convention Center, this event brought together experts, winemakers, and enthusiasts to talk about real solutions for our planet, from biodiversity to climate change and everything in between. 🌍 I got to dive into how this incredible region is shaping a greener future.❗️ Did you know that 20% of Sicily is protected through parks, reserves, and marine areas? 🌿 Also, two other interesting facts from the viti- and vinicultural side: ☝️Around 40% of Sicily’s protected natural areas include agricultural land, such as vineyards. These landscapes aren't just for growing grapes—they’re vital for preserving the Mediterranean ecosystem. 🍇 ☝️Sicilian wineries are using innovative practices like lighter bottles🍾(reducing carbon emissions) and energy-efficient production methods. These steps not only lower their environmental impact but also set new standards for the global wine industry. 🍷 ☝️One of the most important parts around Sicily is the sea. One fact that blew me away? A single square meter of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) can generate €2.90 in wealth—and Marine Protected Areas contribute up to €1 million annually while preserving traditions like artisanal fishing. 🌊 🍷Wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s about the stories behind it, the people, and the places they are coming from. Here, Sicilian wineries are proving that sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a way forward. 💚 Do you have a favourite sustainable winery or wine region?Would love to hear your recommendations!🍇 #Sustainability #SOStain #biodiversity #SustainableWine #SiciliaDoc
Ever happened to you? Felt good, right? 😂 The Ever happened to you? Felt good, right? 😂 The Barolos on the video are there for a reason. For me, these types of wines that not my family's favourite, naming the big bold, dry red wines. If I bring them, for sure I will be the only one enjoying them and I am perfectly happy about it sometimes. 😉😂 How about you? Which type of wines that your family won't take from you? Any particular bottle which has happened with you? 🍷🍾 #winefun #winememes #winebottle #wineaddicted #winelovers #winestyle #familydinners #winespecialist #winejokes #wineknowledge #winelife #Sommlife
SORRY, IT'S GONE... That's a new record at Thummer SORRY, IT'S GONE... That's a new record at Thummerer Winery, as they sold out in just 3 days! Let me tell you why...⬇️ 🤗 I promised, when I wrote about my visit to the winery for their 40th anniversary, that I would dedicate a full post to this special blend.🍷 Only 200 bottles were made, and they were sold exclusively through the winery. After less than 3 days, there were none left. 😍 I was so lucky to be gifted a bottle before my departure from the lunch so that I could enjoy it again and write my proper tasting notes. After tasting it, I’m not surprised it sold out so fast!🍾 👉 The Étosz Superior 2017🍷 was specially released for the winery’s 40th anniversary in late November. The founder, Vilmos Thummerer, sadly passed away in 2021. Since then, the next two generations have been putting their heart and soul into winemaking, but this wine still was still touched by "Vili Papa". ❤ ☝️It’s a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon🍇, Merlot🍇, and Syrah🍇 from the best vineyards among the 120 hectares owned by @thummererpince . Complex aromas of crushed olives, blackberry, Mediterranean spices, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, ripe plums, with a touch of mint and vanilla.🍷 👌This complexity continues on the palate with a juicy sip. It has a powerful yet elegant and ripe tannin structure, balanced acidity, and alcohol. The wine offers a very long finish filled with plums and black pepper. It’s of excellent quality with huge aging potential—another 10 years easily❗️ 🙏If you’re one of the lucky fellows with this bottle in your cellar, I suggest you wait for a special occasion—it will be worth it! 😉 🍷Can you see why Étosz disappeared so fast? I definitely can!🍷 😍 The experience was even better with the help of my new wine glasses from @gabriel_glas 👌 #hungarianwine #wineblend #magyarbor #sommlifestyle #somm #neverstoptasting #egerwine #winehistory
🍇 GRAPE TALK: EPISODE 29: Furmint 🍷Grape Tal 🍇 GRAPE TALK: EPISODE 29: Furmint 🍷Grape Talk is back in 2025 too, with an oldie but a goodie! Let's learn about the story of Hungary's most celebrated grape variety, Furmint... ⬇️ ☝️ Save this post for your wine studies and follow me for more grape adventures! 1️⃣ Furmint is a white grape variety, best known for its role in the legendary Tokaji Aszú. Thanks to Hungary’s rich clonal selection in the Tokaj region, science supports its heritage from this very region. 🍇 2️⃣ It is a slow ripener, often harvested late in the season. When noble rot works its magic, Furmint transforms into the key ingredient for sweet, complex Aszú wines. But it also shines in dry styles, sparkling wines, and even single-vineyard expressions from regions like Somló and Tokaj. 🌟 3️⃣ Furmint is related to big-name varieties like Chardonnay and Riesling through its parent, Gouais Blanc! Plus, it's the parent of Hárslevelű, often blended with it in Tokaj wines. 🍷 4️⃣ With full body, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential, Furmint mirrors Chardonnay in its ability to reflect terroir. It is just as versatile when it comes to different winemaking styles. 🍇 5️⃣ Finally, Furmint is not just about Hungary. From Slovakia’s Tokajská to Austria’s Burgenland, Slovenia, Croatia, and even Swartland in South Africa, we can find interesting expressions all around the world! 🌍 PS: I have just found a great example here in Austria, and I’ve shared it in my latest article on the blog. Take a look—it is really worth trying❗️ Do you have a favorite Furmint wine?🍷 Photos by @anna.besko and @wines.of.hungary #GrapeTalk #Furmint #TokajiAszú #HungarianWine #WineLovers #WineTasting #WinePairing #WineCulture #WineTerroir #WineEducation #WineAdventures #DiscoverWine #WineStyles #WineBlog #WineLover
Happened to you as well? 😂😂 Yes, it is rude Happened to you as well? 😂😂 Yes, it is rude to come 10 minutes before closing time and order the longest menu available...💁‍♀️ ☝️But fine dining restaurants usually don't say no to maintain the prestige, however you will become the worst enemy of the staff this evening. Keep this in mind next time you are planning to enter last minute in a restaurant❗️ Have you ever consider this before going to a fine dining restaurant?🍷 #restaurantjokes #finedining #hospitality #winelist #restaurant #instamemes #restaurantstyle #wineinfluencer #winejokes
3 TOP WINEMAKERS, ONE BRAND: The AMAX Wine Selecti 3 TOP WINEMAKERS, ONE BRAND: The AMAX Wine Selection.🍷 And all behind that is an advanced sommelier, Maximilian Steiner. Here's the story⬇️ 👉 The Steiner family has one of the most renowned hotels in Tyrol, but Maximilian @maxi_amax wanted to level up the game. His passion for wines led him to become not just the owner of the hotel but its head sommelier as well. ☝️He had always dreamed of creating his own wine brand that he could add to the hotel's prestigious wine list. 📖 So he teamed up with Austria's 🇦🇹 best winemakers to create 6️⃣ exclusive wines, 3️⃣ premium-level and 3️⃣ from the high-end segment. ❗️The name AMAX comes from the bond between Maximilian and his sister Anna, creating the acronym. The selection includes two Grüner Veltliners🍇, two Rosés🍇, and two beautiful red blends.🍷 But who's behind these wines next to Maximilian?💁‍♀️ ➡️ The Grüner Veltliners come from Wagram, where Anton Bauer @weingut_antonbauer has been creating magic since 1992. ➡️ The Rosés, unsurprisingly, come from Burgenland’s queen of Rosé herself, Pia Strehn @piastrehn . ➡️ The red blends are crafted by the iconic @weingutgesellmann winery, with Albert Gesellmann overseeing these complex creations in the heart of Burgenland. 👌 All six wines are of excellent quality. 🍷Unfortunately, I don't have enough space here to describe the wines, so it will come in a different post, but it was a pleasure to taste them in December! 🙏 ❗️Also, the wines also serve a higher purpose in sommelier education in Austria🇦🇹. AMAX is a proud partner of the @sommelier_union_austria . For every bottle sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to funding education for youngsters across the country. 🤗 Oh, and have I mentioned that each bottle is completely unique?🍾 Each has a hand-painted label by local artist Alexander Maria Lohmann.😍 What do you think about the idea of such wine brands?🍷
2024 RECAP: What a Year to Remember! 🍷 Honestly 2024 RECAP: What a Year to Remember! 🍷 Honestly, looking back at this year, it feels like a dream. ⬇️ 🤗 This was my first year as an entrepreneur in the wine business, and it was nothing short of exciting and BUSY. 👌 🌍 I visited so many beautiful wine regions—Trasimeno🇮🇹, Carnuntum🇦🇹, Sicily🇮🇹, Thermenregion🇦🇹, Burgenland🇦🇹, Eger🇭🇺, Tokaj🇭🇺, and Mallorca🇪🇸—each one offering its own unique stories. 👉 From countless wine events to intimate tastings, my focus this year has been diving deeper into the world of Hungarian, Austrian, and Italian wines.🍷 🥳 Some of the best times this year were with the Girls Wine Gang with @corni.winelover @winetravelsnfood . I’ve especially seen so much of Sonja @wine_and_travels —you’re the best! 💕 ☝️One highlight was VieVinum, where I met so many new wine friends. I feel so grateful for the connections I’ve made this year, whether with old sommelier friends or new ones. 🥂 🏠 If there’s a second home for me in Vienna🇦🇹, it would have to be Hofburg and Hotel Regina. These places have been the backdrop for some of the year’s most memorable events.🍾 😍 I had the chance to visit Esterházy’s @weingut.esterhazy wine cellar twice this year, which was a real treat—thank you again for the experiences! 🤗 🙏I’m so grateful to have worked with some amazing wine professionals and brands this year, like Rita Takaró @mad_moser_tokaj and Lenz Moser @changyumoserxv —you’ve truly inspired me. 🍇 😉 Oh, and I FINALLY started exploring the Austrian🇦🇹 Heurigen wine culture this year, beginning with Weingut Alphart am Mühlbach @alphart_am_muehlbach —that’s something I’ll definitely continue! 🥰 👉 So yes, 2024 has been a crazy, busy, and amazing year. There’s still so much I want to share with you, but I know 2025 will be even more special, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead❗️ With this post, I would like to wish every one of you a very Happy New Year!🥳🥳 What would you love to see more of on @wine_encsy in 2025? ⬇️
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