Catarratto is typically used in Marsala, which is Sicily’s version of Sherry, yet when not fortified it produces a lovely dry white. The first smell gives way to perfumed notes of green apple skin, citrus profile touch of nectarine and peach. The palate is dry with a great mid profile acid pluck, a touch nutty balanced with layers of nectarine and preserved lemon.

We all know history can be a bit stuffy, yet not wine history and especially not Sicillian wine history! Feudo Montoni is a winery in Sicily with its original building dating back to 1469, prior to that it had links to Roman Empires and travelling arabs. Don Rosario bought Montoni in the early 1900s and when he died, his 9 year old daughter became an orphan and was too young to run the winery. It wasn’t until she married that her husband reworked the vineyards after squatters were farming the land for their own purposes. Today the winery is run by Don Rosario’s grandson, Fabio, who has transformed the winery to an example of modern life in Sicily. The winery has historic vineyards of Nero D’Avola, Grillo and Catarratto and the vineyards are organically managed. There are stunning views from the winery where you get a glimpse of Mount Etna and from the nearby mountain you can see all the way to the coast of Africa.