Notify me
2022 Salina Malvasia “Verticale”
VignedimareThe Aeolian Islands, just off the northeast coast of Sicily, are a Mediterranean paradise of turquoise seas, pristine blue skies, and jet-black lava rock from which grow cacti, caper bushes, and lush wildflowers. Based on the island of Salina, Nino Caravaglio has taken the local Malvasia grape, long prized for the sweet Malvasia delle Lipari it produces, and created dry, single-vineyard bottlings that translate the area’s bright sun, salty sea, and fragrant vegetation with brilliant clarity.
Nino’s pioneering spirit took him across the water to Stromboli (population: 500), the only active volcano in the archipelago and just a short ride from Salina on the aliscafo (hydrofoil boat). In 2016, he planted Stromboli’s only vineyard, less than a hectare of Malvasia rooted in sandy decomposed lava rock. The first harvest from these vines, the 2022 Verticale was aged in a 500-liter barrel for 18 months to yield a luscious, racy, salt-inflected nectar that reflects these volcanic islands in all their sheer beauty. To best appreciate this perfumey, bone-dry white, serve it with fresh seafood and other Mediterranean produce such as capers, olives, and wild fennel.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2022 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Malvasia di Lipari |
Appellation: | IGP Salina |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sicily |
Producer: | Vignedimare |
Winemaker: | Antonino Caravaglio |
Vineyard: | Planted in 2016; .7 ha |
Soil: | Volcanic sand |
Aging: | Aged 18 months in a 500-liter barrel |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 12.5% |
More from this Producer or Region
2019 Terre Siciliane Grenache “Vigna degli Architetti”
Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata’s first release from the “Vigna degli Architetti” delivers deep, ripe fruit with elegance and grace.
2019 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Sciavè”
Italy | Sicily
“Sciavè is the result of ancient clones of Nero d’Avola which, besides exalting the limestone matrix of its terroir of origin in the Eloro appellation, carry forth the elegance gleaned from patiently aging the wine in barrel.”
2022 Olio Extravergine di Oliva Biologica
Italy | Sicily
One of Sicily’s most coveted oils, perfumed with bright citrus, dried fruit, and herbs.
2020 Vittoria Frappato
| Sicily
The wine builds to a crescendo and leaves the palate stained and saturated with staying power. This is much more than quaffing Frappato. Irresistible.
2022 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Italy | Sicily
Delicate, stimulating, and completely dry—it’s a ravishing aperitivo, but works with anything from the ocean.
2021 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Italy | Sicily
You’ll find whiffs of both Burgundy and Barolo in this single-vineyard bottling from vines planted in 1930, but it is unmistakably Etna.
2021 Etna Rosso “Sciare Vive”
Italy | Sicily
This red’s satiny texture allows it to gloss over the palate with utter delicacy, while suggestions of smoke, white pepper, and brandied cherries linger after each sip.
2019 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Lato Sud”
Italy | Sicily
This old-vine Carricante gets its luxurious golden hue from four days of skin contact, a traditional process on Etna that really brings out the distinctive scents of this special place.
2020 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Italy | Sicily
You’ll find whiffs of both Burgundy and Barolo in this single-vineyard bottling from vines planted in 1930, but it is unmistakably Etna: smoky and suave.
2022 Salina Malvasia “Abissale”
Italy | Sicily
Citrus and green guava round out crystalline minerality while the bottle begs to be taken to your next gathering around frutti di mare.
About The Producer
Vignedimare
Off the northeastern coast of Sicily, on the volcanic Aeolian Islands of Salina and Stromboli, Antonino Caravaglio has built what is unquestionably the most qualitative collection of vineyards and wines in this little slice of Italy. In this harsh, yet fertile terrain, he is attempting to revive the ancient, but largely abandoned, viticultural traditions of the region. Currently, Nino’s entire production is devoted to Malvasia di Lipari. The variety has evolved on these islands, undisturbed, to create its own identity, and it is capable of producing truly spectacular dry and aromatic white wines. Nino vinifies some of his Malvasia vineyards on Salina (“Abissale”) and Stromboli (“Verticale”) in small casks, yielding a textured, Burgundy-style expression of these fragrant whites. These are among the best whites made in the Mediterranean islands, and we are very excited to finally bring them to the USA.
About The Region
Sicily
Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.
While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.
Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.
More from Sicily or Italy
2019 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Lato Sud”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2021 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Lato Sud”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2020 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2022 Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2019 Terre Siciliane Grenache “Vigna degli Architetti”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2020 Terre Siciliane Carricante “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2020 Vittoria Frappato
Portelli | Sicily
2020 Vino Bianco “Caravan Petrol”
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
2022 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Portelli Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2019 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Lato Sud”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2021 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Lato Sud”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2020 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2022 Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2019 Terre Siciliane Grenache “Vigna degli Architetti”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2020 Terre Siciliane Carricante “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2020 Vittoria Frappato
Portelli | Sicily
2020 Vino Bianco “Caravan Petrol”
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
2022 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Portelli Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
Great winemakers, great terroirs, there is never any hurry. And I no longer buy into this idea of “peak” maturity. Great winemakers, great terroirs, their wines offer different pleasures at different ages.
Inspiring Thirst, page 312