Holiday Series: Mediterranean Island Gems

The largest island in the Mediterranean is Sicily, producing big volumes of everyday wine and Marsala, a unique dessert wine, but since the 1990s focusing more on quality and provenance thanks to investment from the mainland. Grapes to get excited by include Nerello Mascalese, Carricante and Frappato.

Sardegna, also Italian but with significant Spanish connections going back to the 13^th Century, is home to wines of distinctive local character – look out for Vermentino and Nuragus for whites, while Cannonau and Carignano produce reds with personality.

Corsica, while part of France, had a long period under the control of first Pisa and then Genoa – as can be seen in the style of many of its wines. Viticulture is the number one agricultural industry on the island.

The Canary Islands dominant soil type is volcanic which shows through in the distinctive wines from Tenerife in particular. Look out for Listan Blanco.

Wines on tasting:

• Eric Poli, Clos Alivu Patrimonio Blanc AOC, Corsica, France, 2021
• Firriato, “Le Sabbie dell'Etna” Bianco, Etna DOC, Sicily, Italy, 2019
• Bodega Tajinaste, Listan Blanco, Valle de la Orotava DO, Tenerife, Spain, 2020
• Mandrarossa, Frappato, Terre Siciliane, Sicilia IGT, Italy, 2020
• Clos Culombu Rouge, Corse AOC Calvi, Corsica, France, 2018
• Punica, Montessu, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, Sardinia, Italy, 2019

A small selection of delicious cheese and charcuterie (with crackers)* is served at this tasting.

*We try to accommodate all dietary requirements, providing we are notified at least 48hrs in advance.