Editor at large Harvey Steiman joined Wine Spectator in 1983; his tasting beats are Australia, Oregon and Washington.

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A Great Summer Sipper from Italy

Donnafugata Ansonica-Catarratto Sicilia Anthìlia 2007

Harvey Steiman
Posted: April 29, 2009

Something light and fragrant, with pleasant balance and pretty fruit. That's what I wanted to sip before dinner on a recent spring evening. Nothing too elaborate or challenging. Just easy to drink, with enough interesting flavors so it wouldn't be boring.

I snatched up a bottle of Donnafugata Ansonica-Catarratto Sicilia Anthìlia 2007, just $13, because my colleague James Suckling had patted it on the back last year with an enthusiastic rating, and it earned our Best Values designation. It was just what I wanted. Grapefruit, I thought, as I took the first whiff. Then a hint of mineral and floral character, like citrus flowers. It filled the mouth with flavor, but stayed in the light balance range. 87 points, non-blind.

This widely available Sicilian white (79,000 cases made) is a great summer sipper, and you could drink it with appetizers of light vegetables, fresh cheese or seafood. I sure liked it with some fresh ricotta and olive oil.

WineSpectator.com members: Get the original blind-tasting review for Donnafugata Ansonica-Catarratto Sicilia Anthìlia 2007 (87, $10)

• Plus, our quick lists of recently rated Top Values and Easy Finds among Italian whites.