Dario Serrentino

Val di Noto sits in the southeast corner of the Sicilian triangle, dipping down to the latitude of North Africa. In spite of the warm climate, the local varieties (especially Grillo and Frappato) and white limestone soils are capable of producing balanced wines with tension and moderate alcohol. - Porto Vino

About the Winemaker

Dario Serrentino

Val di Noto sits in the southeast corner of the Sicilian triangle, dipping down to the latitude of North Africa. In spite of the warm climate, the local varieties (especially Grillo and Frappato) and white limestone soils are capable of producing balanced wines with tension and moderate alcohol. Dario Serrentino, after years of selling off his grapes (to naturalistas Frank Cornelissen, Lamoresca, inter alia), started to vinify and bottle his own wines in 2014 as Mortellito. Dario is a naturalista as well, but he insists on making clean wines that taste extreme only in their deliciousness. He works his family’s 25 hectares, 15 of which are under vine; the rest are a mix of ancient olive groves and heirloom almond varieties. A plate of pasta al pesto rosso (sun-dried tomatoes.

frank cornelissen vineyard

The Region

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the ultimate wine playground, an island paradise where fiery Mount Etna meets cool ocean breezes. Think sunshine-soaked grapes ripening in volcanic soil, bold reds like Nero d'Avola (think juicy black cherry) and fragrant whites like Grillo (hello, citrus!). Beyond the classics, there's a treasure trove of unique native grapes. It's a place where history swirls in your glass, from ancient Greek techniques to delicious sun-dried Marsala. A beach bum's haven, and a wine lover's playground, all rolled into one!