Corvo Insolia 2009

Corvo Insolia 2009
Origin: Sicilia, Italy
Blend: Insolia (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: December 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Yellow-green with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit with very slight citrus, almost lemongrass notes. Round and very flavorful on the palate, some citrus tartness with a bit of slate-like minerality is introduced into the finish, which is very brief but otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: This is a nice wine, though not a terribly refined one. It's light enough to pair with a luncheon or with appetizers, yet has enough depth (at least initially) to hold up to more robust meals. Insolias are not common in the US, and this one is inexpensive enough to consider, if you've never tried it before. We rate it Above Average, but have the sense that it could have been much better.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Intense juicy peach and melon aromas are followed by tangy citrus and fresh apple on the palate."

Winery website: Vini Corvo.

Fatascia Kaila Grillo and Inzolia 2007

Fatascia Kaila Grillo and Inzolia 2007
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Blend: Grillo (50%), Inzolia (50%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Deep gold in color, this wine exhibits aromas of peach and melon with distinct notes of honey and spice. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, the expressive fruit flavors have considerable complexity and depth. The finish is long, with characteristics of oak cellaring (though according to the winemaker none was used).

Our rating: This is a most interesting wine. The grapes are native to Sicily and produce a wine that is likely quite unfamiliar to American palates. Pair this wine with roasted chicken and potatoes, as we did, or dishes that have richly flavored sauces, and serve just barely chilled. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colore: Giallo paglierino, con riflessi dorati (straw yellow with golden reflections). Sapore: Equilibrato ed armonico, sapido, fruttato. Tipici sentori delle uve di provenienza (balanced and harmonious, full-bodied, fruity; typical aromas of the varietal grapes)."

Winery website: Fatascia.

Talia Bianco Sicilia White Wine 2006

Name: Talia Bianco Sicilia White Wine 2006
Origin: Sicilia, Italy
Blend: Insolia and Grecanico (unknown percentages)
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: July 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: A rich gold in color, this wine has aromas of honeyed tropical fruit with some spice notes. The flavors on the palate are similar with a medium body. The finish has a bit of acidity with some smoky, maybe woodsy character (oak cellaring?). Note that an exact composition of this wine could not be determined, but is believed to be a blend of insolia and grecanico grapes. Serve this wine with pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce. Our score: Interesting, but only Average.

Winery website: None found.

Cusumano Insolia 2007

Cusumano Insolia 2007
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Blend: 100% Insolia
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Glass cap
Purchase Date: June 2008
Purchase Price: $12.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine, made from a grape that is native to Sicily, comes in a dark bottle with a unique glass cap closure. A golden yellow in color, the fragrance is of tropical fruits, notably pineapple, with some interesting herbal notes. The palate is smooth and well balanced, and develops a brisk acidity. The finish is exceptionally long with a nice blend of flavors that continues to evolve. A rich wine to serve with your best meals. Our score: This is our first taste of this varietal so it is impossible to make direct comparisons. Nevertheless, this is a terrific wine. Excellent.

Winery website: Cusumano (in both Italian and English).