Wine Tasting – Discovering Sicily: A Taste of Mt. Etna and the Aeolian Isles

Get ready to explore the captivating landscapes of Sicily and the Aeolian islands through the lens of wine! On August 16th at 6 p.m., join us for an unforgettable wine tasting event, featuring indigenous varietals that capture the spirit of this unique region. As the sun sets on another beautiful summer, we will dive into some chillable reds and refreshing whites that are perfect companions for warm weather and delightful dining.

Stuart Mitton, with Owen Kotler Selections will lead us through five exquisite wines from two fascinating wineries. Emilio Sciacca highlights the volcanic essence of Mt. Etna with minimal intervention, while Tenuta di Castellaro connects with the history of the oldest vineyards in the Aeolian archipelago.

TASTING LINEUP:

2019 Emilio Sciacca ‘Biancopiglio’
Skin-contact white wine from the northern slope of Mt Etna with a refined floral bouquet with notes of orange blossom, slightly fruity with hints of peach, plum and Mediterranean herbs, followed by notes of flint and graphite.

2019 Emilio Sciacca ‘Rossobrillo’ Etna Rosso DOC
Made from Nerello Mascalese grapes, this wine exhibits red berry and cherry scents with a hint of spice. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, with a balanced tannin structure and a touch of volcanic minerality.

2017 Tenuta di Castellaro ‘L’ottava isola’ Etna Rosso DOC
Comprised primarily of Nerello Mascalese, this wine offers aromas of ripe red fruits and a hint of earthiness. It tastes of dark cherries with a slightly smoky finish, accompanied by well-integrated tannins.

2020 Tenuta di Castellaro ‘Ypsilon’
A blend of Corinto Nero, Nero d’Avola, and Alicante with aromas of graphite, wild berry and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. It’s light-bodied and accessible, offering red cherry, pomegranate, and white pepper notes.

2017 Tenuta di Castellaro ‘Ossidiana Nero’
A blend of 90% Corinto Nero and 10% Nero d’Avola, this offers aromas of toasted nut, graphite, rose petal and new leather. On the enveloping palate, polished tannins accompany fleshy black cherry, hazelnut, and baking spice.