Vignedimare
by Dixon Brooke
The magnificent Aeolian Islands are a string of volcanic islands north of Sicily that include Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli (an active volcano), Filicudi, and Alicudi. Capers are a primary local export, particularly from Salina and Lipari—the two largest and most populous of the islands—but Antonino “Nino” Caravaglio is at once the caper champion of the region and its wine maestro. He has built what is unquestionably the most qualitative collection of vineyards and wines in this little slice of Italy, an area of stunning beauty and fascinating maritime history. Grape-growing and winemaking have been a part of the fabric of life in these islands for millennia, and Nino seeks to preserve and enhance both local trades.
“Vignedimare” is Nino’s most recent project. In the harsh, yet fertile terrains of these islands he is attempting to revive their ancient, but largely abandoned viticultural traditions, most notably by planting a new vineyard on the sparse northeastern slopes of Stromboli. The grape of the Aeolian Islands is known as Malvasia di Lipari, made famous in ancient times by the sweet wines it produced. The variety has evolved here, undisturbed, to create its own unique identity, now rendering truly spectacular (especially in Nino’s impassioned and gifted hands) dry and aromatic white wines in addition to the late-harvest specialty. Nino has experimented tirelessly with various aging vessels and with skin-contact fermentation. The Vignedimare whites represent a pinnacle of achievement in his endeavors to vinify some of his Malvasia vineyards on Salina (“Abissale”) and Stromboli (“Verticale”) in small cask, yielding a more full-bodied and complex expression of these fragrant whites. These are among the best whites made in all the Mediterranean islands, and we are excited to introduce them to you. Give our retail team a call and they will happily back up my enthusiasm!
2022 Salina Malvasia “Abissale”
Italy | Sicily
It will be difficult for you to decide what is more inviting and delicious, this wine’s divine aroma or its flavor! Even its beautiful golden color is a feast for the senses. A textured and luscious dry white with the ravishing perfume of citrus blossoms and a real “wow” factor, this is a masterpiece from the maestro of the Aeolians. A fitting tribute to Salina, one of the world’s most gorgeous islands!
2022 Salina Malvasia “Verticale”
Italy | Sicily
Verticale has all the qualities of Abissale but in a more restrained, “vertical” style. The stony soil and extreme location on the active volcano of Stromboli are evident: the fruit has soaked in its environment on this lonely rock in the sea. Soaring, imposing, and intense—I am looking forward to following it over the next decade. To enjoy now, pour it into a wide decanter or Burgundy glass and let it stretch its legs!