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
Domaine de Ferrand
Philippe Bravay represents the fourth generation of the family that owns Domaine de Ferrand. The winery can be traced back to the 17th century. Philippe’s parents sold the grapes to wine merchants. But he decided to press and bottle his own wine.
Quinta de Passagem
Starting from the heart of the Douro Valley and following the course of the Douro River upstream, you reach the area known as the Douro Superior, which borders Spain. It was here that the Bergqvist family acquired Quinta de Passagem in 2005, located close to the river, not far from the village of Pocinho. Their partner in this joint venture is Jorge Moreira, a long-standing oenologist at Quinta de la Rosa.
Domaine Tollot-Beaut / Nathalie Tollot
This fine family domaine has existed since the end of the 19th century. Initially, there were only a few vineyards in the village of Chorey. As time went on, it developed into 24 hectares in the communes of Beaune, Savigny and Aloxe-Corton. The estate is now run by cousins Nathalie, Jean-Paul, and Olivier Tollot.