and more:
• Murgo: Indigenous Nerello Mascalese
• Tenuta Rapitalà: Cabernet & Nero Blend
• A Taste of Sicilia

Sicilia: A New Chapter in Wine

Sicilia is no longer a two-producer, Marsala-driven island. The co-op era has collapsed and the Italian province with the most area under vine is shifting from bulk production to quality wine. With a history that dates back 4,000 years, it is surprising but fair to say that like the Maremma area of Toscana, Sicilia again represents an exciting new chapter in Italian winemaking.

The consistent weather conditions of the South - low rainfall, intense heat and sunlight, and plantings of international varietals - have inspired comparisons to New World favorites. Old vineyards are being restored and new ones, planted. Many producers have chosen Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon in order to gain international recognition so that they may gradually introduce the indigenous Nero d’Avola to thirsty enthusiasts. Withal, grapes like Syrah and Chardonnay are naturals for these conditions. The plan is working. Some of the fastest-selling ripe and fruit-forward wines at IWM are Planeta’s Chardonnay and Santa Cecilia (Nero d’Avola).

The celebrity-like status of the Planeta winery has brought more attention to the island, and producers like Palari, Rapitalà, Santa Anastasia, and Donnafugata are bringing the indigenous varietals of Sicilia (Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese) to the forefront. There is also the historic estate of Murgo, whose approach of methode traditionelle produces seductive sparkling wines, and who is, in fact, the only Sicilian producer making sparklers by this technique. To round out our offering, IWM is also featuring two Tre Bicchieri winners: Tenuta Rapitalà Hugonis and Santa Anastasia Litra, which are both based on the noble Cabernet Sauvignon. To order these wines please contact our Portfolio Managers at 212.473.2323 or click below for the IWM Fax Order Form.

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Planeta: Single Varietal Approach

The private estate of Diego Planeta (head of the giant Settesoli) is run by his daughter Francesca and his nephew Alessio. Their internationally-styled wines and focus on single varietal wines has captivated wine enthusiasts and critics worldwide.

The four jewels of Planeta are four separate wineries (Sambuca di Sicilia, Menfi, Noto, and Vittoria) with 350 hectares of vineyards set in the prime areas of Sicilia, producing wines that express the best of the new Sicilian winemaking techniques. Here are four IWM selections that display the rich character of each grape with tremendous balance and structure.

Planeta 2003 Chardonnay $36.95 (750ml)
This is one of the most sought-after Chardonnays from Sicilia and comes from the Ulmo (Sambuca di Sicilia) and Dispensa (Menfi) vineyards. Light gold and glistening. 100% barrel fermentation and aging give this wine serious depth. At first sip you encounter baked apple, ripe citrus, and pear glazed with honey. On the next you taste citrus simmered in butter and spice. This mighty show of concentration is well balanced and highly individual for an Italian white.

Planeta 2002 Santa Cecilia $41.70 (750ml)
Pure Nero d'Avola - Sicily’s primary red varietal. 50% of the grapes come from the vineyard Dispensa in Menfi, and the remaining 50% from Buonivini in Noto, where this indigenous varietal enjoys the Sicilian sun. Bright ruby with a garnet trim. Plum, red cherry, and licorice combine with stone, iodine, and a touch of toast. Firm tannins and acidity create fine support and sustain the complex flavors on the medium-long finish.

Planeta 2002 Syrah $36.95 (750ml)
Syrah grapes from the Cantina Dispensa in Menfi. A nice modern representation of this renowned international variety. Diego Planeta believes this is one of star grapes in Sicilia's future. Medium ruby red with sparkling clarity. Loads of blackberry and blueberry take on intriguing aromas of spice, vanilla, and ash. The full-bodied, brooding palate boasts hearty, well-integrated tannins while maintaining its balance.

Planeta 2002 Merlot $36.95 (750ml)
From the Cantina Buonivini in Noto. Planeta captures the decadence of Merlot! This purple-tinged, medium-bodied wine exhibits all of the lush, fat, supple textures that Merlot fanatics live for! Cassis, black cherries, mocha, wood spice, and mint top the long list of divine flavors variegating this sultry wine.

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Abbazia Santa Anastasia

Abbazia Santa Anastasia is a former Benedictine abbey built in the twelfth century in the hills high above the north coast. The medieval abbey or "abbazia" is steeped in a natural landscape so extraordinary that the present owner, entrepreneur Francesco Lena, originally purchased the land to turn the estate into a holiday resort. Instead, he began experimenting with international varietals such as Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the indigenous Nero d’Avola. The interest soon became a mission, and Lena brought in oenological assistance from the legendary Giacomo Tachis (of Sassicaia, Sammarco, and Tignanello) and Riccardo Cotarella (Terra di Lavoro and Montevetrano). The result has been a consistent string of Tre Bicchieri winners.

Abbazia Santa Anastasia 2000 Litra $54.99 (750ml)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This Tre Bicchieri winner may be the best expression of an international varietal from Sicilia for the entire 2000 vintage. The deep dark ruby hue gives way to elegant aromas of ripe dark fruit laced with vegetal nuances and cedar. On the palate the wine continues to evolve with more succulent fruit, spice, and tobacco. With a long, harmonious finish, this wine is a winner.

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Murgo: Indigenous Nerello Mascalese

The Murgo estate is situated in a privileged position southeast of Mount Etna and has been making wines traditional to this territory since 1850. In 1981 Baron Emanuele Scammacca del Murgo modernized the estate to optimize the quality of his wines, and his sons Michele, Pietro, and Matteo now focus on that same goal in their daily work in the vineyards and cellar. The soil is made of volcanic sands that give the wines a particular mineral taste typical of Mount Etna, as well as unusual finesse, aromatic complexity, and strong personality.

Murgo Brut $22.77 (750 ml)
This Sicilian sparkler is made exclusively from the native Nerello Mascalese grape in the methode champenoise (the traditional method by which Champagne is made). Fine perlage rises through the pale yellow. A delicate melange of flowers, crisp apples, and yeast greet the nose. Fresh citrus and more yeast on the palate.

Murgo 2002 Etna Rosso $15.59 (750 ml)
This ruby red wine is a blend of the indigenous Nerello Mascalese (85%) and Nerello Mantellato (15%) varieties. A complex bouquet is dominated by jammy red fruit that continues on the palate with sprinkles of minerals. An intricate wine with modest tannins and good length.

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Tenuta Rapitalà: Cabernet & Nero Blend

The name of this estate recalls the long history of the land: from the Arabic “Rabidh-Allah,” Tenuta Rapitalà is named for “Allah’s River” which runs through the vineyards. Owner Hugues Bernard was a French naval officer who settled here in Sicily in 1968 when he married Gigi Guarrasi, who belonged to a well known Palermo family. Not deterred by the Belice Valley earthquake that destroyed the ancient buildings on the site, the couple set to work, carefully re-establishing the vineyards and reconstructing and modernizing the cellar. Their continued dedication has placed them among the select quality producers who have influenced the development of Sicilian winemaking. After more than three decades, Hugues and Gigi still make excellent wines that convey the unique character of the land.

Tenuta Rapitalà 2001 Hugonis $46.20 (750ml)
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d’Avola grapes that go into Hugonis are grown on a clay-based soil in Rapitalà’s own vineyards. Deep red color. The two varieties mingle beautifully on the nose without losing their individual characteristics. The spicy bouquet of dark berries introduces similar flavors on the palate. A dash of minerality rounds off this complex, full-bodied wine, while sturdy tannins integrate flawlessly. A long finish ends this beautifully structured potion.

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A Taste of Sicilia

IWM is offering these six great examples of Sicilian wine in both a six pack (1 of each) and case sampler (2 of each). This a great way to experience the range this region has across producer, style, and varietal. Enjoy these favorites with friends and family.

Planeta 2003 Chardonnay
Planeta 2002 Santa Cecilia
Planeta 2002 Syrah
Planeta 2002 Merlot
Murgo 2002 Etna Rosso
Tenuta Rapitalà 2001 Hugonis

IWM Sicilian Six-Pack (6) $214.34*
IWM Sicilian Case Sampler (12) $428.68*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

For additional cases that include such favorites as the frosty whites of Friuli and the ripe tropical fruit flavors from Campania's indigenous varietals, contact Robert Allen at 212.473.2323.

Click here to order your Sicilian Sampler by fax!