HPSepicurean is adding a new line of Sicilian wines to their portfolio: Guastella Azienda Vitivinicola. The D’Arrigo family has been cultivating grapes and making wine in Sicily for three generations starting with their grandfather Gioacchino D’Arrigo. Gioacchino devoted himself to the cultivation of land and planted his first vineyard in Contrada Guastella in 1940.

A passion for wine has been passed down through the generations of the D’Arrrigo family to grandsons Gioacchino and Santo D’Arrigo. In 2003 they followed family tradition by creating Guastella Azienda Vitivinicola.

Guastella Azienda Vitivinicola was named after the contrada where their family’s first vineyard was planted, revealing Gioacchino and Santo’s strong connection to the land. This connection is further represented in the wine made by the two brothers. “The Guastella winery is our expression for great wine made exclusively from grapes grown in the soil of the Jato Valley,” says Gioacchino D’Arrigo, master vintner and co-owner.

The following expressions, all hand harvested, will be available in top U.S. markets:

• Catarratto: A grape variety with a great personality and a straw yellow color with greenish hues. It has a nutty aroma with an intense bouquet reminiscent of lemon and orange zest. The flavors are fresh with pleasant notes of crisp pear and pineapple. The medium body and acidity are smooth on the palate. Catarratto is perfect as an apertif or paired with tuna, prawns, or an antipasta.
• Chardonnay: This international grape variety produces an influential white wine with a golden yellow color and slight green undertone. The intense citrus aroma of lemon and grapefruit are rounded out with a hint of apple. An array of floral notes and honeysuckle are followed by a long apple pie finish. This white wine is best with pork tenderloin, halibut, or fresh seafood pasta.
• Grillo: Grillo is the quintessential Sicilian grape variety. This pale yellow wine with a greenish tint has an intense aroma of melon and grapefruit. The palate is harmonious with medium body and acidity displaying pear compote and citrus flavors. Matching a dish of grilled pork, carpaccio, soft cheese, or swordfish with this classic Sicilian wine makes for a delightful meal.
• Insolia: A grape variety indigenous to Sicily with an amber yellow color and greenish reflections. It has a delicate yet robust aroma of citrus, herbs and almonds. The palate is dry and soft with grapefruit zest and vibrant yellow stonefruit. Chicken, pork, cioppino, or fish tacos are great matches for this refreshing wine.
• Nero d’Avola: Distinctly Sicilian in origin this dark purple red wine with violet hues and aromas characteristic of ripe red berries. The palate is full bodied with medium tannins and flavors of black cherry and plum. Recommend pairing this dark red wine with grilled steak, sausage, and peppers or Pecorino cheeses.
• Syrah: Coming from the hills of Sicily this wine has an intense garnet color. The nose is prominent of black-jeweled berries, black pepper, and warm spices. The palate is full of cassis and cherries, supported by soft, easy drinking tannins. Syrah pairs well with rib eye roast, braised short ribs, herb crusted lamb, or Gouda cheese.