Sicily, one of Italy’s most dynamic wine regions, is in a permanent state of flux, which is why I visit this fascinating island at least once a year and during a full week’s stay try to get on top of current developments. This year's resulting series of articles include a general analysis of where Sicily stands at the moment. I also allow myself several suggestions of possible directions the island's wine industry could go in the future.
My articles include a fascinating report on an experimental vineyard near Marsala (one of whose vineyards is pictured above) where 70 ancient varieties, some newly discovered and/or on the brink of extinction, are being trialled. This could potentially prove game changing. Furthermore there will be reports on Etna’s little known east side, an area which insiders believe may become one of the most important for top-quality whites based on Carricante (and with a new Sicilian-American joint venture to prove it). I also make a first foray into the obscure south and west side of Etna where Gaja has embarked on a project with Graci, review wines from Mamertino and Faro to document recent developments there, and look at a possible future for dry Malvasia from the Aeolian Islands.
Articles are listed in order of publication, with the most recently published at the top.
Far and Mamertino update (Tasting articles) 7 December 2017
Aeolian Malvasia – through producers' eyes (Tasting articles) 7 November 2017
Etna's hidden parts – the tasting notes (Tasting articles) 27 October 2017
A fine, dry future for Malvasia delle Lipari (Don't quote me) 24 October 2017
Milo – Etna's white wine cru (Tasting articles) 11 October 2017
Hidden Etna part 2 – the south and historic west (Inside information) 20 September 2017
Hidden Etna part 1 – the east (Inside information) 19 September 2017
Rescuing Sicily's ancient grape varieties (Inside information) 11 September 2017
Sicily moves towards greater stylistic clarity (Tasting articles) 7 September 2017
DOC Sicilia starts to show its limitations (Don't quote me) 5 September 2017