The last winery visit during our Sicily adventure was to Caruso e Minini in Marsala. This is a relatively young winery that was created when fourth-generation winemaker Stefano Caruso partnered with Northern Italian marketer extraordinaire Mario Minini to create this brand that now exports mostly indigenous Sicilian varieties, including Grillo, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia, Zibibbo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Perricone as well as some international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot.
Today, the company is helmed by Stefano’s two daughters, Giovanna and Rosanna.
I am a huge fan of their wines. In addition to the Perricone, I have enjoyed their organic Grillo, Catarrato, Nero d’Avola, and Arancino (an orange Cartarrato). In addition, I have also enjoyed the non-organic Zibibbo*, Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese/Frappato blend, Nero d’Avola Reserva*, and lastly, their fortified Marsala*. Those with the asterisks are not imported into the USA.
Perricone, the other Sicilian Grape
Perricone is an indigenous black grape grown only in Sicily, specifically the far northwest region surrounding Marsala and Trapani. For much of its history, Perricone has been a blending grape adding color, texture, tannin, and deep black fruit flavors. The phylloxera infestation in the late 1800s almost wiped out this variety completely. Today, it is making a resurgence as a single-variety wine as well as for blending.
Caruso e Minini Perricone Naturalmente Bio 2020
The Caruso e Minini Perricone is inky black with a velvety texture. The nose mixes violet, black plum, and red cherry. It is rich and juicy on the palate with bold flavors of black plum, blueberry, cassis, and a hint of cranberry; as the acidity raises its profile, my mouth begins to water. This wine lingers.
Yes, this wine fits beautifully into my favorites from our trip.