ABOUT:Sicilian wine producer Gulfi is one of the prime movers on the scene, producing extraordinary, certified organic wines from various spots on the island. They are best known for their wines made from Nero d’Avola but also for the stunning wines made from Nerello Mascalese up in the hills of Mount Etna. Wine has been made by all the past inhabitants of Sicily but the Greeks really brought the advanced techniques. The Gulfi wine labels reflect a sort of nod to the Greek history of the island. Gulfi uses the Gobelet system of training (also called albarello or “bush vine”) which means there aren’t any wires in the vineyard, just short grape-filled bushes that can only be harvested by hand. It’s an excellent system for warm, dry areas with not-so-fertile soil, like Sicily, and the fact that every bush is handled by a person rather than a machine absolutely leads to high quality. We’re excited to have these wines and hope you are too. TASTE: Reseca is made from bush trained Nerello Mascalese vines in a vineyard called Poggio on the northern slope of the Etna volcano. This postage stamp-sized plot of 2.5 hectares is populated with picturesque vines dug-in deep to the volcanic soil. The aromas and flavors of this wine are distinct; bright and energetic red fruits but also rose petal, parsley, and piney spice. The tannins are high in the mix and loaded with character, very reminiscent of Barolo, and we suspect with age the wine will develop into something spectacular. 20 years, no problem. We’re thrilled to have it and to be able to offer it at a price that seems low for what you get. Buy it before the world decides this is too good of a deal. PAIR:Panelle (chick pea fritters), Pesto alla Trapanese, Arancini, roasted chestnuts, Fontina cheese, roasted mushrooms, and garlic parmesan baked eggplant.
