This year, over two hundred Sicilian wineries submitted wines for tasting (over a thousand in all). This is a historic peak, resulting in a notable conclusion: a remarkable 27 wines achieved our highest accolade. For some time now, the region has exhibited an extraordinary dynamism, securing significant positions in both the Italian and international markets.
AV 01 Catarratto Orange 2021 - Rallo
Cavadiserpe Mandrarossa 2021 -Cantine Settesoli
Cerasuolo di Vittoria Cl. 2021 - Tenuta Bastonaca
Etna Bianco 2022 - Monteleone
Etna Bianco A'Puddara 2021 - Tenuta di Fessina
Etna Bianco Arcuria 2021 - Graci
Etna Bianco Cavanera Ripa di Scorciavacca 2022 - Firriato
Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione 2021 - Planeta
Etna Bianco Lenza di Munti 720 slm 2022 - Cantine Nicosia
Etna Bianco Sup. Contrada Villagrande 2019 - Barone di Villagrande
Etna Bianco Sup. Contrada Volpare Frontebosco 2022 - Maugeri
Etna Rosato de Aetna 2022 - Terra Costantino
Etna Rosso Alta Mora Guardiola 2019 - Alta Mora
Etna Rosso Contrada Pietrarizzo 2020 - Francesco Tornatore
Etna Rosso Contrada Zottorinoto Ris. 2019 - Cottanera
Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera Tenute Tascante 2021 - Tasca d'Almerita
Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe 2020 - Girolamo Russo
Etna Rosso V. Barbagalli 2020 - Pietradolce
Familiy and Friends Firraru 2021 - Feudo Maccari
Faro 2021 - Le Casematte
Infatata 2022 - Caravaglio
Marsala Vergine Ris. 2011 - Duca di Salaparuta - Florio
Moro di Testa 2020 - Feudi del Pisciotto
Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé 2020 - Donnafugata
Salealto Tenuta Ficuzza 2021 - Cusumano
Sicilia Grillo Kheirè 2022 - Tenuta Gorghi Tondi
Sicilia Rosso Magma 2020 - Frank Cornelissen
In fact, more than half of this year's awards were bestowed upon high-class white wines made from native grape varieties. These wines are complex, deep, capable of maturing gracefully with time, yet irresistibly drinkable in their youth. Of course, the reds still maintain their standing, and the 11 recognized red wines showcase distinctive character, richness, longevity, yet are incredibly palatable even when young. The "natural wine" sector, if we may term it so, is in full swing on the island, offering a range that, beyond meeting customary standards, stands out impeccably in the glass, even for the most discerning taster – how could we not reward them? The likely reason is the emergence of a new generation of highly-skilled vineyard and winery professionals who have a clear vision and objectives. A combination that's bound to succeed.
One final note: nearly two-thirds of the awards were given to white and red wines (and a rosé) from Etna. This further confirms the extraordinary potential of this terroir, which continues to astonish us with unforgettable tastings year after year. Yet it's the entirety of Sicily that confidently treads the path of quality, across every style, every region, and regardless of the size of the producer–from large cooperatives to small artisanal vintners, or internationally renowned producers. We extend our warm welcome to the producers achieving our prestigious recognition for the first time: Tenuta Bastonaca with their Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico '21, Frank Cornelissen with the Magma Rosso '20, Barone di Villagrande with the Etna Bianco Contrada Villagrande '19, Terra Costantino with the Etna Rosato de Aetna '22, and lastly, Florio with Marsala Vergine Riserva '11.