Walking through the fine, dusty sand in the vineyard of Contrada Pianodario on the northern slope of Mount Etna feels like what the first steps on the moon must have been for the crew of Apollo 11. The soils contain an element of the unknown: What sort of vines could possibly take root in such an ashen, alien land? How, aside from olives and vines, does anything even grow here?
Although we've emerged not from a space capsule but a van built to tackle Sicily's rocky and gravel-covered tracks, the effect is the same: We've arrived at ground zero of a seemingly extraplanetary wonder that can't be described until you've seen and absorbed it for yourself - Sicily's win-escape, in all its glory. It is a fitting setting for what's currently being produced in this volcanic region, except the loose soil seems like an oenological false flag. The wines that spring from here are tight and focused, with an often beautiful mineral edge that belies the harsh landscape.
And while Etna is leading the charge for gaining greater recognition for Sicilian wines with some of its otherworldly offerings, James Suckling has noticed a real step-up in quality wine-making from the southern Italian island. He first came here in 1983 and has returned frequently, tasting Sicilian wines and seeing their progress over the years. The overdone and stylised offerings of the 1990s and early 2000s have given way to wines with outstanding energy and character.
From pure-fruited nero d'avola-based reds to layered, complex whites from grillo to structured, tense nerello mascalese as well as mineral carricante, today's wines all show greater distinctiveness from the regions that gave birth to them, such as Noto and Vittoria.
この記事は Prestige Singapore の May 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Prestige Singapore の May 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Raise a Glass to China
At the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, three experts tell Prestige why you should consider picking up a bottle for your next dinner party or date night.
TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS
A growing class of \"Made in Singapore\" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.
HERITAGE, REFINED
Kyoto's artisanal roots and the push to evolve traditional Japanese aesthetics find voice in the city's luxury hotels.
CHASING THE SUN
Inspired by its gutsy female founder, Veuve Clicquot partners luxury travel purveyor Belmond to offer champagne-filled rumbles in destinations around the globe.
FAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN
Home to the Masters, the first men's Major tournament on the annual golfing calendar, the Augusta National course is as beautiful as it's fiendishly difficult. And this year, thanks to the competition's 25-year partnership with Rolex, Prestige was there to follow the action.
HIS TIME TO SHINE
2024 is the year men’s jewellery is shown off for what it ought to be bold, brilliant and tastefully transgressive.
WATCHES AND WONDERS 2024: A SHOW OF RANGE
In the second instalment of our report on Watches and Wonders the horological trade fair took place in Geneva in April we highlight standout new releases from 10 brands, ranging from stealthy tool watches to statement pieces you couldn't miss, even if you tried.
Guarding a Grand Heritage
In an exclusive interview with Prestige, fourthgeneration Patek Philippe chief THIERRY STERN discusses meaningful innovations, business continuity and what surfing's got to do with it.
TROPICAL BLOOMS
The Reverso is unique with its signature swivelling rectangular case. Flip the caseback of the monoface model of the Reverso One, and you'll find a canvas for artistic expression.
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
Harry Winston's New York Collection is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. The jeweller's latest high-jewellery collection explores NYC's landmarks and symbols through several chapters.