A fiery and autumnal greeting from Italy
Firriato Winery: Wine made at the foot of a volcano – how did you think it would taste?
Firriato Winery has been operating since 1984 in Sicily. Founded by Salvatore and Vincenza Di Gaetano, its name comes from the local winemaking tradition, referring to a vineyard plot next to a house (similar to the French "clos"). The winery owns 3,800 acres of organic vineyards in three distinct regions: at the foot of Mount Etna in the east of the island, in the hills of western Sicily, and on the small island of Favignana. Some of the vines are nearly 150 years old, and the winery focuses on local grape varieties such as Catarratto, Inzolia (whites), Frappato, Nero d'Avola (reds), and of course, Sicily's crown jewel, Nero d'Avola.
In this tasting, there are five wines – two whites and three reds – representing different facets of the winery's production. Some stick closely to tradition, clearly highlighting the unique quality of the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Others lean more towards "New World" wines, where elegance and expressiveness are more evident. Together, the five wines represent a diverse profile: Mediterranean, spicy, and delicate on the one hand, while elegant, velvety, refined, and expressive on the other. The price range is moderate, with a good value-for-money ratio from good to excellent. All the wines are well-suited for the current warm weather but will be even better enjoyed in the fall. Cheers!
Firriato, Le Sabbie Dell'Etna Rosso 2021 D.O.C
Price: NIS 79
Best paired with: Roast beef, corned beef, kebabs, grilled meats.
Tasting Notes: Light, delicate, spicy, elegant, and well-balanced with a particularly gastronomic feel.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).
Firriato, Le Sabbie Dell'Etna Bianco 2023 D.O.C
Price: NIS 79
Best paired with: Salads, pizza, pasta, fish.
Tasting Notes: A notable body with freshness, pleasant fruit that isn’t overwhelming, balanced acidity, and a pronounced acidic profile with a mineral touch. Like the previous wine, it reflects the volcanic soil of Mount Etna well.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Firriato, Chiarmonte, Inzolia 2023 D.O.C
Price: NIS 79
Best paired with: Fish, shellfish, and oysters.
Tasting Notes: A white wine with a dominant tropical fruit profile, pleasant acidity, and a refreshing finish. Charming, fun, and well-structured.
Value for money: 3/5 (Good).
Firriato, Altavilla, Della Corte Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: NIS 79
Best paired with: Beef tartare, carpaccio, steaks.
Tasting Notes: Well-structured body, not overly muscular; very rich fruit, but not overwhelming, accompanied by good acidity. Soft, elegant, concentrated, and polished, reminiscent of New World wines. Excellent value for money.
Value for money: 4.5/5 (Excellent).
Firriato, Santagostino Rosso Baglio Soria 2018
Price: NIS 112
Best paired with: Bone-in cuts, stews.
Tasting Notes: While the previous wines were either traditional or modern, this one combines both. Mediterranean, spicy, and herbal elements alongside elegance and some expressiveness typical of New World wines. A wine with character, enhanced by several years of bottle aging. Very good value for money.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).
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