Castello di Solicchiata Sicilia IGT Etna «Secondo» - 2012

Located a short distance from the town of Adrano, in the province of Catania, on the southwestern slopes of Mount Etna, stands a majestic vestige of Sicilian grandeur, the Castello Solicchiata. If the castle itself, still surrounded by a mysterious aura, is among the most beautiful buildings in Europe, its wine is, according to Robert Parker, one of Italy's best kept secrets. It must be said that its excellence began at its creation, in 1855, when Baron Felice Spitaleri di Muglia, owner of the property and a great admirer of Bordeaux wines, decided to import French grape varieties. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon as well as Merlot (followed by Pinot Noir a few years later) were planted and cultivated for the first time on this volcanic land, whose soil is composed of black sand and terraces of lava rock. The success was immediate and Castello Solicchiata won the gold medal at the London Exhibition in 1888, in Palermo in 1889, in Vienna in 1890, in Berlin in 1892, in Brussels in 1893 and in Milan in 1894. Baron Spitaleri became the official supplier to the Italian Royal Court. In the 1900s, the Bordeaux vines suffered from phylloxera and the Baron's descendants managed to save a hundred of them, from which the current vines are descended. Having undergone numerous mutations, they are now considered to be Sicilian grape varieties. In 2003, brothers Arnaldo and Felice Spitaleri, the current owners, replanted the entire estate, all 115 hectares.

From its 1000-metre altitude, the Castello Solicchiata and its Levis Bridge overlook the valley at a glance and enjoy a much-needed coolness. The black sand terraces are among the widest in the world. The work in the vineyard is done as naturally as possible with no weeds between the vines and minimal use of pesticides. The grapes are sorted by hand and then fermented for 2 years in large oak barrels and aged for a further 2 years. The grape varieties are 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, making Castello Solicchiata and its second wine the Secondo Castello Solicchiata unique in Sicily.

The first, with its ruby colour, has a round, fruity nose with notes of cherry blossom, tobacco and vanilla. On the palate, it has a beautiful balance, an exceptional smoothness, thanks to the omnipresent black plum and balsamic herbs. On the finish, the minerality due to the volcanic soil appears, with iodine notes, and it is very long in the mouth. It goes well with meat of character.

The Secondo, just as generous, is a very good surprise. Its dark red colour is almost ink-coloured. Proud of its 3 Bordeaux grape varieties, it has woody olfactory notes of oak, vanilla and coffee. On the palate, cherry and raspberry are present, with a balsamic touch and a peppery, liquorice finish. Enjoy with a meal with friends, with pasta or confit lamb.