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Bi!! Bi!! is offline
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Default TN: Sicily and Alsace

On Jan 11, 10:57*am, DaleW > wrote:
> On Jan 11, 10:36*am, "Bi!!" > wrote:
>
> > On Jan 11, 10:30*am, DaleW > wrote:

>
> > Interesting notes on the Calabretta Etna Rosso. *I find the wines of
> > Sicily to be somewhat paradoxical. *I've found some good examples but
> > generally I find poor either over-ripe wanna-be California knock-offs
> > or very rustic, high acid plonk. *I've never visited Sicily so I don't
> > know if this is just what the importers offer us or if it is
> > indicitive of Sicilian wines in general.

>
> That was generally my impression- overripe glossy Nero d'Avolas, or
> somewhat poorly made wines.
> But I think Sicily is one of the most improved areas in last few year.
> I'm particularly fond of Etna Rosso, the wines are grown up high on Mt
> Etna, so not as obviously hot climate. There's a range of styles- the
> basic Terre Nere and especially the Biondi come across as almost
> Burgundian, the upper level Terre Nere wines are more slick/modern but
> very good, and some more rustic wines like this. But in general
> interesting appellation.
> I also like Montoni's Nero d'Avola, both regular and Vru-something.
> *Arianna Occhipinti makes very interesting wines in the natural/
> hipster mode.
> Frank Cornelissen also gets lots of acclaim (and some raspberries) but
> I've not tried.
>
> Actually, if anyone is interested in Sicily, this week's Tuesday sale
> at Astor Wines is Sicily. 15% off.


I've probably had more wine from Andrea Franchetti than anyone else in
Sicily. His wines tend to be a bit glossy but "Franchetti" is the
flagship wine and I find it to be a bit over the top.. I really like
the Passopisciaro and tend to think of it as the best example of good
Etna wines.