Cantina Marilina Sikelé Nero d'Avola 2018

Angelo Paternò worked for 25 years as the winemaker and technical director for the Sicilian wineries Cantine Settesoli and then Duca di Salaparuta and then bought 60 hectares (148 acres) on a hill formerly known as Poggio dei Fossi in the southeastern Sicilian province of Siracusa, near the town of Pachino, where he thought the land was one of the best viticulture areas in Sicily. He handed the reins over to his daughters, Marilina and Federica, and still helps them in the cellar.

Sicily is Italy's biggest island and region. The Strait of Messina (Stretto di Messina) separates it from the mainland. The capital of Sicily is Palermo, a majestically decadent multicultural city offering one of the richest culinary traditions in Italy.

The history and culture of Sicily are a tapestry of fascinating influences. This complexity is beautifully reflected in the diverse architecture of its cities. In Palermo, for instance, one can witness a unique blend of Arab, Greek, Roman, and Spanish influences, not just in the city's layout but also in its food and local language.

Sicily is Italy's third-biggest wine-producing country, behind Veneto and Tuscany. The quality of Sicilian wines has increased steadily in the past 30 years. Some international grape varietals—mainly chardonnay and syrah—have found a place in Sicilian viticulture, which is traditionally dominated by native varietals such as Nero d'Avola, Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia.