Cantina Marilina Sikelé Nero d'Avola 2020

Cantina Marilina, located in southeastern Sicily's Val di Noto, is a fully organic winery founded in 2001 by Angelo Paternò. Today, his daughters Marilina and Federica Paternò run the winery, firmly committed to organic and sustainable farming practices. The estate covers 60 hectares, with 35 hectares dedicated to vineyards and the rest to other fruits and olive trees, promoting biodiversity.

The winery focuses on native grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola, Grecanico, and Moscato, with small amounts of international varieties like Merlot, Tannat, Viognier, and Chardonnay. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention, using large concrete tanks for fermentation to preserve the fruit's natural freshness and character.

Cantina Marilina's portfolio includes single-varietal wines and blends, all reflecting the region's unique terroir. The winery also produces special wines like Moscato Frizzante and Rosato Frizzante, which showcase the fresh and playful side of their production. Their orange wine, made from Moscato Bianco, is the result of a meticulous three-year aging process, offering a complex and structured profile.

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.