Wine Tasting – Celebrate Sicily

Get ready for our next tasting event, a showcase of wines from the island of Sicily! On Wednesday, October 25 at 6 p.m., our very own Travis Doyle will lead us through five fantastic wines from one of Italy’s most intriguing regions at our Boise wine bar in Hyde Park.

Sicily is unlike any other wine region in Italy (or the world). The Mediterranean climate meets Europe’s most active volcano with ancient vines, centuries of history, black volcanic soils, and the influence of the Ionian Sea. Due to its ideal growing conditions, the region was historically known for bulk wine production. However, in recent times, Sicily has experienced a quality revolution. Wineries are increasingly focusing on high-quality productions that encapsulate the island’s unique terroir. This tasting will focus on producers located in the eastern side of the island – three from Mount Etna and two from the southeastern corner. Arianna Occhipinti has become a sort of rock star in the Italian wine world, Salvo Foti is a legend, and Vigneti Vecchio is up-and-coming quickly.

TASTING LINEUP

Vigneti Vecchio ‘Sciare Vive’ Carricante Bianco 2021
90% Carricante, 10% other indigenous varietals (Minnella, Inzolia, Grecancico, Catarratto) from vines upward of 100 years old grown on the east slope of Mt Etna. Wildflowers, saffron, beeswax, and Mediterranean herbs. Rich, fleshy, and focused.

Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco 2022
This aromatic skin-contact white wine is a blend of two native Sicilian varieties, Albanello and Zibibbo. Tropical fruits, stone fruits, and fresh flowers.

Vignetti Vecchio ‘Sciare Vive’ Etna Rosso 2021
90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Other Indigenous varieties from pre-phylloxera vines up to 130 years of age. Medium-bodied with cranberry and pomegranate with floral aromatics, smoky minerality, and crushed black peppercorns.

Arianna Occhipinti Il Frappato 2021
From 40 year old Frappato vines planted at 280 meters of elevation. This wine is a joy to drink with lively acidity, fine tannins, and bursting with ripe raspberries, strawberries, Sicilian orange, and rose petals.

I Vigneri Vinupetra Etna Rosso 2019
80% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Grenache, 10% Francisi from 100+ year old vines planted at 700 meters. This is the top red wine from famed winemaker Salvo Foti. Dense and rich yet ethereal and elegant, this wine is unmistakably volcanic. Red and black fruits, smoky minerality, wet earth, and black truffle. This is Etna at its most authentic.

Handpicked bottles from a different country, every month. Learn more about our wine club subscription.