Assuli
Anyone who discovers Assuli’s wines will experience the full flavour of Sicily. Between Marsala and Mazara del Vallo, shaped by the sun, the wind and the proximity to the Mediterranean, wines with an unmistakably Sicilian character are produced. The focus is on the island’s native grape varieties, foremost among them the aromatic Zibibbo, which has been firmly rooted in Sicily’s winemaking tradition for generations.
Behind Assuli stands the Caruso family, whose roots are deeply embedded in Sicily. For three generations, they have managed the estate themselves, consistently making bold and forward-looking decisions whilst never losing sight of tradition or their connection to their homeland. The name Assuli means «under the sun» and reflects the close bond with the island. The wine names also draw on Sicilian culture and are taken from the Renaissance epic «Orlando Furioso». The Zibibbo Dardinello, for instance, owes its name to a character from the epic who embodies courage, character and generosity. With great passion, the family has breathed new life into a historic 18th-century baglio. The former country estate now forms the heart of the winery and charmingly combines Sicilian heritage with a modern approach to quality.
The approximately 130 hectares of vineyards are organically farmed and are spread across altitudes ranging from 100 to 600 metres above sea level. The combination of intense sunshine, a warm Mediterranean climate and cooling sea breezes creates ideal conditions for viticulture. The grapes ripen fully whilst retaining their freshness and aromatic character. The wines are also characterised by limestone and clay-rich soils, which retain water well and provide the vines with sufficient moisture even during dry summers. This results in wines with plenty of fruit, subtle spice and remarkable balance.
Working in harmony with nature is second nature to Assuli. The vineyard is certified under both the SOStain and VIVA schemes. Both programmes promote the responsible use of resources, environmental protection and a long-term sustainable approach to viticulture.
Whether it’s Zibibbo or other indigenous grape varieties, Assuli impressively demonstrates just how closely origin, tradition and modern viticulture are intertwined in Sicily. The result is authentic wines that do not hide their origins, but confidently express them.
Producer
Maison Stéphan
Jean-Michel Stéphan has vinified more than 30 vintages of Côte-Rôtie and is one of the true masters of natural winemaking (vins naturels) in the northern Rhône region. His wines have a vibrant purity that makes them unmistakable, characterised by a balance of energy and transcendence that stems from his vision of making impeccable wines without any additives.
Park
For many years Baur au Lac Wines has been Switzerland's exclusive importer of the sumptuous Cognacs created by Dominic Park. The story goes back to the 1990s when Dominic Park decided to leave his job as a wine trader in London to create his own cognac house with the style he wanted. This is summed up by a very clean vision of what cognac should be: insist on the best origins and a very precise distillation and ageing to give a high-class product in a modern, elegant bottle.
Massena / Jaysen Collins
Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins were college friends, and in the late 1990s they decided to put their talents together to produce wine. Recently, Jaysen Collins has taken charge of the "Massena" project on his own.The grapes are purchased from growers in Greenock, Kalimna and Koonunga Hill in the northwest Barossa Valley.