13 Aug 2025
Posted at 18:38
in Wine Times
If you’ve ever been captivated by the sun-drenched allure of Sicily, you’ll be familiar with the sense of place that the island brings to food and wine alike. This week I’m taking you on journey to the western tip of the island, to the town of Marsala – a name synonymous not just with its famous fortified wine, but an ever-evolving winemaking story.
Caruso Minini is a family-run winery that beautifully melds rich Sicilian tradition with a progressive eye on the future. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the estate is now run by the third and fourth generations of the Caruso and Minini families. Their partnership, forged in the early 2000s, marries deep farming roots with a vision for international quality.
At the core of Caruso Minini’s philosophy is respect for the land. Their vineyards, set between the inland hills and the Mediterranean coast, benefit from cooling sea breezes and sun-baked days, a combination that helps indigenous varieties thrive. Sustainability is not a buzzword here, but a central pillar: the winery employs organic practices, limits intervention in the cellar, and champions native Sicilian grapes alongside a handful of international ones.
The result is a portfolio that speaks fluently in the dialect of place – aromatic whites, reds with untamed energy, and a purity that lets you taste not just fruit, but the wind, the soil, and the Sicilian sun.
This week, I had the pleasure of tasting two distinctive Caruso Minini bottles: the Perripo Perricone 2021 and the Bibbo Zibibbo 2023. Both represent the winery’s commitment to showcasing the bounty of local varieties.
Caruso Minini Perripo Perricone 2021 (£19.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
The Perripo Perricone 2021 is immediately inviting with its vibrant colour. The nose delivers a rush of wild berries – think blackberry, mulberry, and a whisper of cranberries – wrapped up with Mediterranean herbs, violet petals, and a faint undertone of black pepper. There’s a rustic charm here, but also finesse on the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity and gentle, ripe tannins.
Flavours echo the nose – brambly fruit, a hint of dried thyme, and something distinctly earthy, reminiscent of walking through Sicilian undergrowth after a rain. The finish is persistent, slightly savoury, and leaves a memory of dark cherries and dried herbs.
Perricone is a natural partner for Sicilian cuisine, but its versatility stretches far beyond the island. Try it with caponata – a sweet and sour aubergine stew – where the wine’s acidity highlights the dish’s rich tomato base. Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic finds a harmonious companion in the wine’s herbal notes and grippy structure. For a simpler pleasure, slice up some aged pecorino or a wedge of Caciocavallo cheese, and you’ll discover how the wine’s fruit and spice balance the saltiness beautifully. Hearty mushroom risottos, rustic sausages, or even a spicy pizza will also shine alongside this expressive red.
Caruso Minini Bibbo Zibibbo 2023 (£16.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
Sicily’s whites, when made with respect and restraint, can be positively enchanting – and Bibbo Zibibbo 2023 is no exception. Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria, finds a unique voice here.
The wine gleams pale gold, suggesting sunshine in the glass. On the nose, it’s an aromatic burst: orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, and a medley of ripe, juicy peaches and apricots. There’s a subtle hint of grapefruit zest and even a touch of wild mint. The palate is lively but never cloying – there’s a lithe, almost saline freshness that keeps the tropical and floral notes incredibly precise. The finish is crisp, vibrant, and leaves you longing for another sip.
Bibbo Zibibbo is an ideal aperitif, especially on a warm evening. But it truly comes alive with food. Pair it with Sicilian seafood – grilled swordfish steaks with capers and lemon, spaghetti alle vongole, or a tangy octopus salad. Sushi, summer salads laced with fresh herbs, or chicken tagine with preserved lemons also find a friend in this zesty white. For cheese, look to fresh ricotta, goat’s cheese, or even a mild blue – Zibibbo’s floral exuberance can handle a surprising range of flavours. And don’t forget fruit-based desserts: a dish of poached peaches or a simple lemon tart will echo and elevate the wine’s aromatic profile.
It’s easy to be seduced by the story of a producer, but harder to find a winery whose wines truly live up to their promise. Caruso Minini delivers both – a sense of heritage and a contemporary vibrancy that comes through in every glass. The Perripo Perricone 2021 is bold yet balanced, rustic but refined. The Bibbo Zibibbo 2023 is aromatic, luminous, and utterly refreshing. Together, they provide a delicious introduction to the possibilities of Sicilian wine.
Whether you’re new to the island’s wines or a longtime devotee, these bottles deserve a spot at your table. Seek them out, pour generously, and let Sicily’s sun and spirit infuse your next meal.
Caruso Minini Perripo Perricone 2021
Caruso Minini Bibbo Zibibbo 2023
Dining and Cooking