Wines of Sicily Archives

Old World Wines Gaining Share Across US On-Premise

CGA by NIQ’s latest On-Premise Measurement Research explores the share of total wine, with a focus on domestic white and red wine categories across the US, to highlight the opportunities for suppliers as old-world wines continue to gain share.

Using insights from the latest 52-week period of CGA’s OPM data to 12/31/2022, it is apparent that domestic wines account for the largest share of total wine across the US On-Premise (66.4%), but opportunities emerging for suppliers and operators to capture changing consumer preferences as they explore and consume old-world origin varietals.

At a total US level, domestic wines still hold the largest share of the market, however, old-world wines have continued to gain share. While domestic share has largely been maintained (-0.8pp), recent share changes demonstrate that US consumers are increasingly opting for old-world wines, specifically of regions including Italy (+0.5pp), New Zealand (+0.3pp) and France (+0.2pp).

Within red, domestic wine continues to hold a significant proportion (72.8%) of the share of red wine, up 0.8pp vs YA – continuing to increase its importance in comparison to all other major origins. Within the category, international origin wines tracked are losing share, including Italy (-0.1pp), Argentina (-0.4pp) and Spain (-0.1pp).

Whereas, white domestic wine has lost share (-1.6pp) and holds 61% of total share of white wine. Consumers are increasing looking to old world regions for white varietals in the US On-Premise. Most notably, from Italy (+0.9pp) has seen the largest increase in share gain, followed by New Zealand (+0.5pp) and France (+0.3pp).

Andrew Hummel, Client Solutions Director for North America, states: “Category and varietal insights are so important to help shape effective strategies for the On-Premise. Consumer preferences are changing, and being armed with the knowledge and insight to adapt offerings will enable success in 2023. While domestic wines still hold the largest share of the market across the US, increasing competition and innovation is gaining traction with consumers. OPM data tracking over time gives a comprehensive view of how the channel is evolving and helps identify opportunities for growth.”

Here is the research link: https://cgastrategy.com/unlock-the-potential-of-opm/

A new map of the Contrade dell’Etna has just been updated

The process has been long and meticulous. The map clearly defines and identify the borders and the exact position of the Contradas within the Etna DOC production area. It was prepared by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC with contribution by the Agriculture Department of the Department of Agriculture of the Sicilian Region.

The identification of the districts has been previously based on the interpretation of old cadastral maps with no updates to level curves, and continuous eruptive activity of Etna. The new map was created starting from recent topographic surveys which were then superimposed on cartographic layers constructed through multiple surveys with GIS (Geographic Information System) instruments.

“This is a demanding job that has finally come to an end and which represents only the first step in an even more complex project of studying the Etna area” comments Francesco Cambria, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC. “Never had a study of this type been done.

The goal was to clarify the exact boundaries of the 133 Contrade dell’Etna within the production disciplinary and to identify the new ones that will be officially introduced in the coming months.

The incredible biodiversity that Etna preserves, in fact, is expressed not only within the different slopes of the volcano where our viticulture is present, but also in the many Contradas starting from the different stratifications of the lava flows and the exposure of the vineyards. . All factors that make each Contrada almost unique within the Etna area, capable of giving different nuances to its wines “.

The Production Disciplinary of the Etna Controlled Designation of Origin, the oldest present in Sicily born in 1968, recognizes from 2011 within its area, which extends over the territory of 20 municipalities, the presence of 133 districts, legally equivalent to Additional Geographical Units. In the long work of reconnaissance of the territory, the updating of the borders has led to the identification of 9 new districts, thanks to the collaboration of the producers belonging to the Consortium, which will be officially included in the next update of the production specification. The new Map of the Contrade also takes into consideration the latter, reaching the number of 142 Contradas, divided into the territory of 11 municipalities: 25 in Randazzo, 41 in Castiglione di Sicilia, 10 in Linguaglossa, 13 in Piedimonte Etneo, 8 in Milo, 4 in Santa Venerina, 20 in Zafferana Etnea, 9 in Trecastagni, 6 in Viagrande, 1 in Santa Maria di Licodia, 5 in Biancavilla.

#EtnaDOC #etnawine #winesofsicily #sicilianwines #italianwines #sicilia #sicily #drinksicily #sicilianwine #sicilianwines #winelovers #wineinfluencer #italianwine #italianwinelovers #winenews #winemap #etnacontrada #volcanicwine #etnadocwine #etnanord #etnasud

Duca di Salapurata Group [Toronto Tasting] by Sergii Daragan

There wouldn’t be a better beginning of the week than a wonderful wine and food pairing dinner with industry colleagues, and maestro winemaker Roberto Magnisi, at Eataly, Toronto.

Roberto Magnisi gave a presentation on the wines we tasted, which are currently not available in Canada. Great pairings with fine Italian cuisine – we also travel around Sicily through his exciting stories and passion for wine. We also had the chance to taste “Engine Gin” which blew my mind.

The Wine of the Night

The wine of the night was Duca Enrico Nero D’Avola 2018 – strong, round, well-balanced, with lots of character, and scents of wood.

The Pairing of the Night

The pairing of the night was the stunning Marsala Vergine Riserva VR1609 2009 with lightly fried market fish, seafood, and vegetables. The unforgettable salty caramel chocolate nose of Marsala intense the flavor of lemon sprayed Fritto Misto di Mare by adding some sweetness to the oily and salty seafood and fish. This sweetness made all flavors more intense and they were popping on the tongue. Definitely worth trying.

The full list of wines tasted:

Lavico Etna Bianco Carricante, 2021
Sentiero Vento Vermentino, 2021
Marsala Vergine Riserva VR 1609, 2009
Lavico Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese, 2020
Duca Enrico Nero D’Avola, 2018
Passo Delle Mule Nero D’Avola, 2020
Florio Marsala Vergine Riserva VR0504, 2004
Florio Marsala Semisecco Superiore Riserva SR2715, 2015

It was so great to meet everyone, thank you so much for such a great evening! Sergii

@ducadisalaparuta @cantineflorio @eatalytoronto

#italianwine #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winelovers #redwine #winetime #instawine #vinoitaliano #italy #winestagram #winery #sommelier #italia #whitewine #vinorosso #wineoclock #wineporn #winelife #marsala #eataly #italianfood #tuscany #food #madeinitaly #winepassion #wines #vineyard #sicily #torontowineevewnt #wineevent #toronto #wineandfoodpairing

Discovering the Wine Secrets of Southeastern Sicily – Filippo Magnani

There are two things you can be sure of when taking a food and wine itinerary in Sicily: you will always learn something new, and you will always leave a piece of your heart there when you leave. From the 13th to the 15th of July a well-organized press tour by Assovini Sicilia, led a handful of international journalists in three intense days to discover the Southeastern part of Sicily. First in the area around the village of Noto from the Baroque splendors, to the promised land of Nero d’Avola; and then in the territory of Vittoria, the area of the now unique Sicilian DOCG, with the homonymous Cerasuolo name. Many estates were visited, dozens of wines were tasted together with producers, and a combination of cuisine specialties of the island were interpreted by local cooks or starred chefs. A continuous temptation, and indeed, an inexhaustible discovery.

Sicily’s Southeast, the heart of the island in the center of the Mediterranean Sea
Sicily is in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and the largest under vine area of Italy. An area that counts a multitude of appellations that are slowly becoming more and more famous thanks to the success of productions able to clearly express the combination of Sicilian microclimates. From the vineyards on the island of Pantelleria to the extreme fields on the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily is an island of unparalleled beauty and diversity. Southeast Sicily certainly embodies the essence of Sicily and embraces some of the most important wine areas among the dense web of appellations of the island. Noto DOC was created in 1978 to protect the local historical passito of Moscato. Recently the regulation has been expanded to include red wines based on Nero d’Avola, which today covers up to 84% of the vineyards. The area has been under vines for thousands of years. It is a sun-kissed, warm territory but it benefits from the mitigating effect of the coastal proximity. From these hills the view of the island is open, the sea breeze envelops the atmosphere, and the lively green of the vineyards is matched with the dark soil. Surrounded by beautifully restored ocher-colored farms. The neat geometry of the vine rows is organized by dry stone walls, sometimes alternated with monumental plants of prickly pears, and finally some small, sparse patches of trees that almost seem to wonder what they are doing there…

The scenario around the wine district of Vittoria is different. The territories of production include the municipalities of Ragusa, Vittoria, Comiso, Acate, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Santa Croce Camerina, Niscemi, Gela, Caltagirone, Licodia Eubea, Riesi, Butera, Mazzarino and Mazzarrone (five in the Ragusa province, two in the Caltanissetta province and two in the Catania province). The area is delimited to the north by the Erei mountains and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. The inland is occupied by the majestic Iblei mountains from which many waterways descend. The streams have dug through the land and shaped valleys on which the vineyards climb, and through the thermal breezes coming from the coast, which can deeply affect the climate, creating abnormal temperature excursions close to twenty degrees. On Vittoria’s hills, the soils are differentiated by Millennial stormwater runoff, producers are able to use this to produce red wines characterized by structure and sapidity versus tremendously drinkable wines of immediacy of fruit. To visit the vineyard estates, it is necessary to go down into these valleys completely submerged by cultivations.

The possibilities are endless. The variability of climatic conditions with the multiplicity and succession of the soil (clay, sandy-loamy, limestone soils) allow producers to interpret their personal and intimate Sicily in their bottles of wines. The finesse of the Cerasuolo by Vittoria Docg is expressed in blends composed of the only two native vines allowed by the disciplinary: Nero d’Avola and Frappato, in 50 to 70% and 30 to 50% respectively. The two contrasting varieties prove to be extremely complementary. The fragrance of Frappato goes perfectly with the more meditative aspect of Nero d’Avola, creating unique wines. These styles of wines are neither light nor heavy, they go beyond any concept of the seasonality of wines. The depth and structure of Nero d’Avola are lightened and harmonized by the fresher aromas and elegance of the fantastic Frappato. Wine must speak for the territory as much as it can give a little hint of the soul of its inhabitants. Vittoria’s wines are bright and exuberant, just like the people there.

Land of tales with a wide array of beautiful wine estates to visit
South-East Sicily is one of the most coveted wine destinations for wine lovers and wine connoisseurs. Wine tourism has become a key factor for territorial promotion. There is an increasing number of tourists who visit these lands just to discover the wine traditions. While visitors discover the mosaic of small and large wineries hidden in every corner of those lands, the protagonists of the Sicilian wine scene have understood the infinite potential of their land and they are moving towards the future, offering more impeccable travel proposals, starting from unique experiences in the cellar, through food delicatesse, to beautiful retreats. The “blend” of ancient traditions and modern cultivation practices with market strategies and investments for hospitality and tourism has made Sicily one of the most interesting wine destinations in Italy. The pulsating center of the area is Syracuse. The City of Syracuse combines works of the Greco-Roman era, spectacular squares, artisan boutiques, and of course the breathtaking shores and a crystal-clear sea. To the Southwest lies Val di Noto. The rolling hills or the valley frame a few beautiful late-baroque towns such as Noto, Ragusa, Modica and Scicli. Perfect places to enjoy gastronomic delights in small Osterie, Taverns, or Michelin-starred restaurants, surrounded by works of art and monuments that exude the history of man. The rest of the land is wild with luscious green vineyards, rocky ravines and prehistoric tombs, a thread woven between nature and man that run from the hills to an uncontaminated rugged coastline. A wide array of properties with great wine production and hospitality proposals for wine enthusiasts and wine professionals. Here are the wineries we visited during the magnificent tour.

Assovini
Assovini was founded in 1998 and it is the organization that most supported and carried out the territorial development project in the last 25 years for wine production and wine tourism. Today, along with 90 producers and nearly 900 labels produced, they are aiming to bring the fantastic value of Sicilian wines worldwide. In this direction Assovini in 2004 created the event Sicilia en premieur: A yearly itinerant event where the producers and the members of Assovini, lead a selected international press through tastings, tours, masterclasses, and conventions.

#winesofsicily #sicilianwines #italianwines #travelsicily #DocSicilia #ViniDocSicilia #SiciliaDoc #Sicilia #Sicily #WineofSicily #DrinkSicily #sicilianwine #sicilianwines #winelovers #wineexperience #travelling #instadaily #winetravels #winetourism #travelgram #winetasting #wineinfluencer #wineadventures #traveldiary #traveling #italianwine #italianwinelovers #Assovini #NerodAvola #Vittoria #Michelinstar

Casa Grazia, a Sicilian Winery by Lake Biviere, that is fully immersed in biodiversity

Prior to Sicily en Primeur 2022, we visited a number of wineries. One winery that stood out was Casa Grazia. Maria Grazia Di Francesco, CEO of Casa Grazia opened to the doors of her new cellar and welcomed us to the magnificent rural landscape of Lake Biviere Oriented Reserve. Maria is truly an advocate for women in wine – I was thrilled to meet her and her daughter. The Casa Grazia Winery is located in Gela, Southern Sicily. The family has been grape producers since the 1980’s and starting from 2005 they bottled their first wine. More recently, in 2020 they achieved organic certification.

Casa Grazia covers an area of about fifty hectares, almost completely planted with vineyards, is 120 meters above sea level and a few steps from the sea. The vineyards are influenced by Lake Biviere, a natural saltwater reservoir rich in biodiversity. In this area the mild winds and sea breeze meet the warm and dry air currents of the Sicilian hinterland, creating a unique microclimate which is favorable for the cultivation of both native and international grapes: Frappato, Nero D’Avola, Moscato and Grillo along with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon all on limestone-sandy soil.

The estate has eight labels:
Two white wines: Zahara and Adorè;
Five red wines: Laetitya, Victoria 1607, Gradiva, Emiryam and Vi Veri, and
One Sparkling wine: (rosé) Euphorya.

After the tour we had a technical tasting of seven wines:

2020 ‘Euphorya’ Spumante Rose; 2021 Zahara; 2021 Adore; 2021 Laetitya; 2020 Victorya 1607; 2019 Gradiva and Emiryam.

All the wines have great balance, wonderful character, and elegance. My favorite wine was Victorya 1607. I found out after the tasting that this wine was named as a tribute to Vittoria Colonna Enriquez, Countess Consort and regent of Modica , who in 1607 gave 75 settlers two hectares of land, on condition that they cultivate one vineyard. The vineyards also fall perfectly in the D.O.C.G. of the Cerasuolo of Vittoria, the only Sicilian D.O.C.G. The 1919 vintage of Cerasuolo di Vittoria “Victorya 1607” received a Gold Medal with 96/100 from “Decanter World Wine Awards 2021.” It was such an honor to have tasted this wine knowing the backstory.

It was wonderful to meet Maria Grazia Di Francesco, like her wines, she also has wonderful style and elegance. Maria presented all the women at our tasting a beautiful bouquet of flowers – what a lovely surprise and memorable experience.

@casagraziawines #womeninwine #womenleaders #casagrazia #winenews #wineexperience #winelovers #sicilia #travelling #winetravels #winetourism #winetasting #sparklingwine #sicily #winesofsicily #vineyards #wineinfluencer #wineadventures #traveldiary #traveling #sicilianwines #italianwines #travelsicily #DocSicilia #ViniDocSicilia #SiciliaDoc #Sicilia #Sicily #SicilyWine #WineofSicily #DrinkSicily #sicilianwine #sicilianwines