Italian Wine Night: Wines of Sicily

Lloyd Green
Oct 5, 2016
3 min read

There’s something magical about Sicily. Whether you’ve been there or not, there’s a charisma, an enchantment that precedes it.

The mountains, the hills, the sea, the islands, the volcanoes, the history, the ancient ruins; all contributing to a rich and unique culture.

Over the centuries the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Austrians all populated Sicily, lending itself to a complex mix of art, music, literature, cuisine and architectural influences.

Combined with the natural beauty and all-year-round mild climate, it’s no wonder this Mediterranean island has become an icon of Europe.

And, as all food and wine connoisseurs would contest, that mystical reputation and rich heritage is also now being shared across the world through its amazing produce.

Sicily has long been noted for its fertile soil due to its volcanic activity. Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Mt Etna, needs no introduction.

In fact, more than 25 per cent of Sicily's population lives on Etna's slopes, with tourism and agriculture the main source of income for most locals.

You only need to divulge in Sicily’s fresh tomatoes, olives and artichokes, for proof of its quality. This applies to the wine, too.

Sicily is the third largest wine producer in Italy — Italy being the largest in the world — and is one of the oldest wine growing regions on the continent.

Sicily's oenological history (science and study of all aspects of wine and winemaking) is an ancient one, dating from the time when the island was part of Magna Graecia — mainland southern Italy.

The secret lies in the rich, fertile soil and Sicily's long, cloudless summers, with its humidity and lack of rainfall between June and harvesting time in late August, key to the region’s remarkable consistency each year.

Of course, there are disadvantages of operating in the shadows of a volcano. Inhabitants must balance the advantages of the soil with the dangers of losing their crops to an eruption from the still-active Etna.

Yet, despite Etna’s imposing figure, Sicily’s best wines have always been linked to the areas surrounding the mountain as well as the sprawling lands of the west coast.

Wines of note famous to these parts are Marsala, Zibbibo, Moscato, Malvasia and Nero d’Avola. There’s also new pockets of land being explored, unearthing new varietals, new wines and new estates.

One vintner etched in the history of Sicilian viticulture is Tasca d’Almerita. Over 200 years of family tradition, excellence, innovative techniques and knowledge of Sicily goes into every drop.

Join us at Drift Dining and Bar on Tuesday October 11 for out next Decanted session featuring Tasca d’Almerita.

Wines on Tasting:

— Tasca d'Almerita Regaleali Bianco

— Tasca d'Almerita Regaleali Nero d' Alvola

— Tasca d'Almerita Lamuri

— Tasca d'Almerita Cygnus

Tasca d’Almerita’s Tenuta Regaleali estate is the heart of the company and enjoys the ideal microclimate for the cultivation of grapes, thanks to an altitude ranging from 400 to 7500 metres above sea level and a moderate temperature fluctuation between day and night.

It’s famed Nero d' Alvola has been produced for 57 vintages and along with the Rosso del Conte, which is 63 per cent Nero d' Alvola, forms the showpiece of our Decanted wine tasting evening.

Often compared to Syrah, Nero d' Alvola is a hearty red sometimes blended with other types but usually allowed to stand on its own and is considered Sicily's most popular non-fortified varietal.

On hand to take you through all of Tasca d’Almerita’s amazing wines and their story is Tasca d’Almerita Asia brand ambassador Keti Mazzi.

Don't forget, you can purchase these amazing Tasca d’Almerita wines at better than retail price on the night. We will also have an array of light bites and canapés to accompany your wine tasting experience.

For more information on Decanted with Tasca d’Almerita or to reserve your table contact events@driftdining.com or call 0321102079.

Pay in advance by Thursday, October 6 to receive the early bird price of RM90++ or full price of RM110++ after that.