Post updated 4/18
      AWS Meadowlands:  Presenting:  Firriato Winery  

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean sea is home to Firriato Winery.    Firriato Winery produces some of this islands spectacular wines.   We were fortunate to obtain for presentation various bottle of these precious gems.  

In this round of tastings the group sampled the listed Italian wines below from the appellation I.G.T.  Of Sicily.   Most of these varietals come from their Firriato vineyards located on the west side of the island with the exception of La Sabbie Dell Etna, these come from the foot of Mount Etna located on the eastern side of Sicily.

-          La Sabbie Dell Etna 2014; Type : Bianco :  Etna DOC /  Varietal: 60% Carricante, 40% Cattaratto
   La Sabbie Dell Etna 2014; Type : Rosso : Etna DOC / Varietal : Nerello Mascalese - Nerello Cappuccio

-          Chiaramonte  2013; Type: Red / Varietal: Nero d'Avola -  6 Months in American durmast barriques.

-          Quater  2011; Type Red ; Indicative blend: Nero d'Avola, Perricone, Frappato and Nerello Cappuccio.  * This rare red blend was a treat, made from unusual or rarely seen combinations of grape varieties which really stood out.  

-          Harmonium  2011; Type: Red / Varietal: Nero d'Avola - 12 Months in French/American durmast barriques

-          Ribeca  2011;  Type: Red /  Verietal: Perricone – 10 to 12 Months in French durmast barriques

Based on the American Wine Society scoring here are averages collected from the group. (With some brief descriptors as provided)      

Etna Bianco – score: 12.5 / Descriptors:  White Flowers, pears, bright minerals, short finish.

Etna Rosso – score: 15 /   Descriptors:  Black berries, figs, walnut, some minerals, soft spices, balanced finish and body.  

Quater 4 – score: 17 /        Descriptors: plumb, currants, black berries, fig, cedar, warm, oak, balanced, structured.

Chiaramonte – score: 15 /  Descriptors: Dark ruby, intense plum,  dates, cherry, pepper, soft leather.  

Harmonium – score: 16 /    Descriptors: Deep ruby, black cherry, white pepper, oak, raisins, coco, balanced, long finish.

Ribeca – score : 17 /          Descriptors: Red ruby to edge, heat, warm herbs, deep red berries, good balance of medium to high acidity and tannins.  (Heat is referenced as “high” alcohol detected)

* Legend: 18 - 20 Extraordinary;    15 - 17 Excellent;    12 - 14 Good;    9 - 11 Commercially Acceptable 

* These are available thought Clifton’s Stew Lenard’s store so ask for them by name,  

* Stay tuned for more FIRRIATO WINERY sessions, dates to be announced.

American Wine Society Meadowlands Chapter is Northern NJ's largest consumer based wine organization.