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Pantelleria: Sweet Wines of the Black Pearl
Added by Paul Caputo on 12 Dec 2019

Pantelleria is one of the most interesting terroirs in Italy. Known as the black pearl of the Mediterranean, this secluded Sicilian island is entirely volcanic, formed through a series of eruptions that have gradually composed its contoured slopes of basalt and shiny obsidian. Over time, man has left his mark too, sculpting walled terraces in order to cultivate grapes, capers and olives, and such endeavours have helped develop its famous vistas of simple, agricultural life.

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Timeless Gavi...
Added by Paul Caputo on 14 Oct 2019

There are few serious wine collectors clamouring to stockpile Gavi. Why would they? The Cortese grape is known for its simple, drink-early freshness, not for its ability to mature and certainly not for its capacity to deliver complex wines that merit being hidden away in the cellar for years. Ask around the wine world and you’d be hard pressed to find someone prepared to put Gavi in their list of age worthy whites. Sure, they’ll enjoy a glass or two as an aperitif, but momentous wine it is not.

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The Legacy of Moscato di Siracusa
Added by Paul Caputo on 1 Sep 2019

Tomasi di Lampedusa’s colourful and evocative portrayal of the creeping, sleepy decline of the Sicilian aristocracy offers a romantic backdrop from which to consider one of the island’s more sluggish DOCs…

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Recently Tasted Wines


Salento IGP “Torre Testa” Susumaniello
Salento IGP “Torre Testa” Susumaniello
Azienda Agricola Tenute Rubino, Puglia, Italy
2018
Susumaniello (100%)
“Produced in a clean, fruit forward style with fermentation in stainless steel. Some subtle fruit notes of red berry - raspberry and cranberry - alongside some pomegranate and fresh cherry notes on the nose. Malolactic imparts a smoothness but plenty of freshness remains. This is a simple, but well balanced rosato with good food pairing potential, particularly with local dishes such as carpaccio di tonno or frutti di mare.”
88 Paul Caputo
Salice Salentino DOC “Donna Lisa” Riserva
Salice Salentino DOC “Donna Lisa” Riserva
Leone De Castris, Puglia, Italy
2015 2014
Negroamaro (90%) Malvasia Nera (10%)
“Some primary notes of ripe black fruit supported by further aromas of dried prune, orange peel and fruitcake. A rich, intense fruit forward style of Salice Salentino, its velvet texture smooths the way for warm splashes of alcohol. Well balanced and well made, this still has many years ahead of it. Just starting to accumulate tertiary notes of earth and pepper.”
90 Paul Caputo
Beaune AOC Premier Cru Les Aigrots
Beaune AOC Premier CruLes Aigrots
Domaine de Montille, Burgundy, France
2013
Chardonnay (100%)
“Gentle notes of vanilla on the nose from a barrel fermentation in barrique, this is an exceptionally complex wine. In the mouth there is an immediate smack of power and structure, despite its modest 12%. An attractive salinity comes through distinctively with a reminder of its weighty fruit body. Good quality white Beaune.”
90 Paul Caputo
Skopje “Ten Barrels” Cabernet Sauvignon
Skopje “Ten Barrels” Cabernet Sauvignon
Château Kamnik, Skopje, North Macedonia
2009
Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)
“Very French in style, an intensive nose of black fruit, cedar, spice and tobacco is quickly overtaken by decadent, succulently ripe cassis on the palate with a clobbering hit of spice and tannin.”
86 Paul Caputo
Salice Salentino DOC Riserva
Salice Salentino DOC Riserva
Cantine Cosimo Taurino, Puglia, Italy
2010
Negroamaro (90%) Malvasia Nera (10%)
“Historically this is one of the iconic wines of Salice Salentino. On the nose is shows classical notes of red and black berry fruit, black pepper and a touch of wild herb. The palate is equally traditional, with a fleshy, unpretentious mouthfeel and with almost ten years of age to it the fruit has taken on layers of complexity - evolved fruit with a sense of leather of smoke.”
88 Paul Caputo
Salice Salentino DOC “Le Pozzelle”
Salice Salentino DOC “Le Pozzelle”
Candido, Puglia, Italy
2018
Negroamaro (95%) Malvasia Nera (5%)
“On the deeper side of the rosé spectrum, Le Pozzelle is one of the region's classic pink wines. Ripe strawberry character with floral notes as well a subtle touche of rosemary. Fresh, with faint hints of apple, bitter herb and sea salt as well as plenty of red berry fruit. Finishes dry and balanced.”
88 Paul Caputo