Notify me
2015 Moscato di Noto “Notissimo”
RiofavaraThe sunbaked white chalk slopes of Ispica, with palms, exotic Arabian architecture, and warm sea breezes, are the backdrop for this ambrosial nectar that has been produced and enjoyed here in some form for millennia. Simply divine is probably the best tasting note. Contrary to many of the darker, higher-alcohol, thicker Moscatos produced in Sicily—in Pantelleria and Lipari, for example— this one is fresh and vibrant, with great acidity and a dry, cleansing finish. It is not fortified or made from dried grapes. Think Vouvray Moelleux or Jurançon in terms of balance, yet with uniquely Sicilian flavors. The fruits, spices, and perfume are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy Notissimo poured over a bowl of fresh fruit, with a fruit tart, or sip a chilled glass solo as dessert.
—Dixon Brooke
Wine Type: | dessert |
Vintage: | 2015 |
Bottle Size: | 500mL |
Blend: | Moscato di Noto |
Appellation: | Moscato di Noto |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sicily |
Producer: | Riofavara |
Winemaker: | Massimo Padova |
Vineyard: | Planted in 1999, 1.8 ha |
Soil: | Chalk, Limestone |
Aging: | Aged in stainless steel for 6 months and bottle for five months |
Farming: | Organic (certified) |
More from this Producer or Region
2020 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Nsajàr”
Italy | Sicily
“Nsajàr” means “to try something new” in the local dialect, and this wine is the epitome of creating something new from something old.
2020 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Italy | Sicily
Delicate, stimulating, and completely dry—it’s a ravishing aperitivo, but works with anything from the ocean.
2019 Terre Siciliane Grenache “Vigna degli Architetti”
Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata’s first release from the “Vigna degli Architetti” delivers deep, ripe fruit with elegance and grace.
2020 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Spaccaforno”
Italy | Sicily
April Club Rouge ~ The Padova family’s Spaccaforno is generous but not heavy, with suggestions of blackberry, licorice, and spice leading to a lively, chalky finish.
2017 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Sciavè”
Italy | Sicily
Sciavè is the result of ancient clones of Nero d’Avola which, besides exalting the limestone matrix of its terroir of origin in the Eloro appellation, carry forth the elegance gleaned from patiently aging the wine in barrel.
2022 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Italy | Sicily
Delicate, stimulating, and completely dry—it’s a ravishing aperitivo, but works with anything from the ocean.
2019 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Sciavè”
Italy | Sicily
“Sciavè is the result of ancient clones of Nero d’Avola which, besides exalting the limestone matrix of its terroir of origin in the Eloro appellation, carry forth the elegance gleaned from patiently aging the wine in barrel.”
2022 Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
Italy | Sicily
This delicious, handy dandy olive oil is the ultimate stocking stuffer for the adventurers on your list. The slim metal bottle makes it ideal for on-the-go EVOO indulgence.
2022 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Marzaiolo”
Italy | Sicily
September Club Chevalier ~ The Marzaiolo is a brilliant white bursting with sunshine, sea spray, and fresh-squeezed Sicilian lemons.
2021 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Marzaiolo”
Italy | Sicily
The Marzaiolo is a brilliant white bursting with sunshine, sea spray, and fresh-squeezed Sicilian lemons.
About The Producer
Riofavara
About The Region
Sicily
Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.
While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.
Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.
More from Sicily or Italy
2021 Etna Rosso “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2022 Olio Extravergine di Oliva Biologica
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2021 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Marzaiolo”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2020 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2020 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Spaccaforno”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2022 Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2021 Terre Siciliane Rosso “Donna Bianca”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2020 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2020 Terre Siciliane Carricante “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2017 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Sciavè”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2019 Terre Siciliane Grenache “Vigna degli Architetti”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2022 Olio Extravergine di Oliva Biologica
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
2021 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2021 Terre Siciliane Bianco “Marzaiolo”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2020 Sicilia Noto Bianco “Mizzica”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2020 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Spaccaforno”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2022 Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2021 Terre Siciliane Rosso “Donna Bianca”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2020 Etna Rosso “Crasà Contrada”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2020 Terre Siciliane Carricante “Sciare Vive”
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
2017 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Sciavè”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
2019 Terre Siciliane Grenache “Vigna degli Architetti”
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
If you're looking for value, look where no one else is looking.
Inspiring Thirst, page 211