Sicily

The largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the very narrow Messina strait, Sicily is probably among the richest regions in history, art and cultural heritage, a mosaic of colours and contrasts.

According to legend, it was Dionysus (Bacchus) who brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.

In the past, Sicily was famous for its Marsala and cheap bulk wines. Over the last 30 years, however, Sicily’s wine culture has changed dramatically and is now considered as one of the best regions.

The Sicilian has the largest vineyard in all of Italy. It is three times the size of the vineyard in New Zealand, larger than vineyard in South Africa and equivalent to the vineyard in Germany.

Donnafugata

Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo, the winery is now led by José and Antonio.

Donnafugata boasts vineyards in Contessa Entellina, nestled in the heart of western Sicily, as well as on Pantelleria island, situated between Sicily and Africa.

The 2016 harvest marked a milestone for Donnafugata, fulfilling the aspiration to produce wines in eastern Sicily with the distinguished Etna, Cerasuolo, and Frappato di Vittoria appellations.

The name Donnafugata, meaning ‘lady in flight,’ originates from the novel ‘Il Gattopardo’ and alludes to the tale of a queen who sought sanctuary in what are now the company’s vineyards, a narrative that also inspired the company’s logo.

Aosta Valley

Surrounded by Piedmont in the south and east, French Alps in the west, Swiss Valais in the north, Aosta Valley is the smallest, least populous, and least densely populated region of Italy.
The region is renowned for the quality of its local salamis and meats giving rise to specialities such as carbonada, a dish composed of stewed meat wine, onions and spices. The cheeses are equally famous.
Home to Europe’s highest elevated vineyards, Valle d’Aosta is Italy’s smallest winemaking region both in terms of size and production.
Claiming an impressive list of autochthonous varieties, the region has also many grapes from France. Not surprisingly, wine labels are often written in Italian and French.

Les Crêtes

Founded in 1989 by Costantino Charrere, Les Cretes is one of only a few private wineries in the Valle D’Aosta. The winery is located in Aymavilles.

It currently manages 25 hectares of vineyards in six villages. The production is about 220,000 bottles per year.

Les Crêtes produces its wines in a very specific context, characterized by high mountains, sandy slopes and alpine temperatures.

Les Crêtes vineyards are planted in both indigenous vinifera varieties (Petite Arvine, Petit Rouge, Fumin), as well as the more traditional varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Muscat). Their Chardonnay has been awarded best white in Italy by Gambero Rosso in 2009.

Campania

Campania is highly recognized by the tourists from all over the world, with the amazing attractions of Amalfi Coast, Mount Vesuvius and Capri island.
There’s also a food scene to be discovered. From pizza-loving Naples to fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses in the countryside.
The wines of Campania were originally intended as food-friendly table wines but things changed a few decades ago.
The very local white, Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino both have their own DOCGs. The red Aglianico, with deep dark cherry flavors, savory spices and leathery goodness, got its DOCG as Taurasi.

Feudi di San Gregorio

Feudi di San Gregorio was established in 1986 in Sorbo Serpico, a tiny village in Campania’s Irpinia region, near Mount Vesuvius.
One of the region’s greatest producers, Feudi di San Gregorio, carries its well-earned reputation as one of Italy’s most innovative wineries.
When many producers in Italy uprooted old vines in favour of international grape varieties, Feudi held fast to the local heritage and continued to cultivate native varieties like white Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, Falanghina and red Aglianico.
Today, their wine production includes a wide range of whites and reds, with the pride of their production being Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Serpico”, a powerful red made from their historical “vineyard of the King”.