Since the 2005 vintage, the Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) has regularly reviewed the wines from Gulfi. Actually, the first statement made after giving 95 points to the 2005 NeroSanlore was: “When I think of benchmark producers of Nero d’Avola one of the first names that comes to mind is Gulfi. The estate makes a number of single-vineyard Nero d’Avolas that provide an opportunity to explore the various shades this great Sicilian variety is capable of expressing. Gulfi’s best-known wines emerge from head-trained Nero d’Avola in the Pachino and Val di Noto districts, all farmed organically. The Reseca, a Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of the Etna, is the exception, but it, too, is fabulous.”
The 2008 crus – NeroBufaleffj, NeroMaccarj, NeroSanlorè, NeroBaronj – from Gulfi have just been launched and the scores on erobertparker.com appeared a few days ago: “The highlight among these new releases is the 2008 Nerobaronj. An exotic melange of juicy dark cherries, freshly cut flowers, licorice and tobacco takes shape as this huge, racy wine shows off its irrepressible personality. The integrity of the fruit and the wine’s sheer balance are both marvelous to behold. Layers of fruit fill out the broad-shouldered finish beautifully. In 2008, the Nerobaronj is striking in every way. I loved it..”The wine was rated 95 points.
Besides these 4 famous crus, Robert Parker also wrote on the 2008 Nero d’Avola Nerojbleo: “A gorgeous, racy wine laced with sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and licorice, all in a juicy style best suited for drinking over the next few years. This is a fabulous entry-level offering from Gulfi.”
Vito Catania, owner of Azienda Gulfi commented: “Since 1996, we have been making the wines we love at Gulfi. We never accepted irrigation, we always have considered the best practices of other organic and biodynamic environments. We went our own way like the best wine estates have done in differents parts of the world. Of course we are influenced by the most delicate burgundy wines as well as by the greatest Rhone Valley wines, particularly Chateauneuf du Pape, but our wines have first of all a taste of their true origins, of their deep sicilian roots.”
Taking the control of the family wine estate in 1996, Vito Catania created the four Sicilian crus which made the international reputation of the Azienda Gulfi.. He has expanded the land area he inherited and introduced innovative working practices. In collaboration with the oenologist Salvo Foti, he is making organic wines from a 70 hectares estate vineyard planted in the best parts of eastern Sicily. Every year, Gulfi also makes a very limited production of white wines (Carjcantj) as well as a 100% Nerello Mascalese wine from the Etna (Reseca).
(You can reach the writer at info@vitabella.fr)
