by Ray Johnson | Apr 1, 2012 | Grillo, Italy, Marsala, Sicilia
During my visit to Pellegrino I had the opportunity to learn first-hand about one of Europe’s most famous fortified wines, Marsala. While the market has faded and consumer interest in these wines has waned, a few producers soldier on making traditional and...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 1, 2012 | Ansonica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Catarratto, Italy, Moscato di Pantelleria, Muscat, Nero d'Avola, Pantelleria, Sicilia
During our recent trip to Sicily I had the opportunity to visit with the team at Donnafugata both on the main island in Marsala and on the small and windswept island of Pantelleria. The wines run the spectrum from fresh, aromatic whites to full-bodied reds, finishing...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2008 | Italy, Marsala, Sicilia
Duca di Castelmonte, Marsala DOC, Fine Sweet I.P. nv This is caramel and Christmas pudding in a warm glass. Bottled in Marsala 17% $10.99 at Traverso’s
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2008 | Italy, Merlot, Nero d'Avola, Sicilia
Baglio di Pinaetto, Sicilia IGT, Cembali, Nero d’Avola 2004 Unfortunately this bottle was corked. The grapes were sourced from the Noto region of Sicilia. 14% $36 at Traverso’s Baglio di Pianetto Cusumano, Sicilia IGT Sagana 2005 There’s plenty of...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2007 | Fortified dessert, Italy, Marsala, Sicilia
Marsala is known the world over but like Madeira it often gets categorized as a mere cooking wine. This is unfortunate as the flavors can delight and since the wine is out of fashion, it’s price point is attractive. Florio Marsala DOC Fine Ambra Secco Marsala...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2007 | Italy, Muscat, Sicilia
Cantine Rallo Moscato di Pantelleria DOC 2003 This is the second bottle of this vintage tasted this year. The Muscat comes through (known as Zibibbo in this part of the world). During the last tasting we placed it side by side with a Passito from Donnafugata and...
