Sicilian Wines from Vento di Mare

We received the product for review and all opinions are our own.

Vento di Mare is a producer 18 miles from the western coast of Sicily. The wines produced are from both indigenous grapes, such as Grillo, Nero d’Avola, and Nerello Mascalese, and international grapes such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio. These wines come from vineyards cultivated in areas specifically composed by clay, lime, and sandy soil. Wind is also key in the production of Vento di Mare, which translates into “wind from the sea,” and the soil is indeed exposed to winds coming from the southeast (Sirocco) and from the north (Tramontane).

Vento di Mare wines are produced from organic grapes and the co-op Cantine Ermes is one of the most important producers of organic grapes in Sicily. They export the following wines to the U.S.:

• Nerello Mascalese. This was a new grape to me and reminded me of something between a light red like a Pinot Noir and a full-bodied wine like a Malbec. The description given of the wine is a red wine with a characteristic red color tending to garnet. The note has hints of wild berries and spicy notes, and on the palate, the wine is elegant, good structure, and excellent harmony.
• I have had Grillo before and enjoyed the dry white wine. The notes for the Vento di Mare Grillo have aromas of melon and pineapple and it offers a well-balanced savory finish. I shared the bottle with family and the overall opinion was it was good, but lacking in any aroma and fruit-forward flavor.
• Nero d’Avola. I was looking forward to this wine since I have enjoyed Nero d’Avola from both Italian and Texas producers. It is a medium-bodied wine with subtle tannins.
• Pinot Noir. This wine tasted like a typical Pinot Noir, but to be honest, it lacked a strong flavoring that would give this wine a higher medal at a wine competition.
• Pinot Grigio. Everyone I shared this wine loved it. Between the pear and citrus aromas to the fruity flavors, this wine is definitely a find more bottles wine.

All wines are bottled with screw caps and the SRP is between $11 and $13 for each wine.