A vine-grower and fireman by profession, Salvatore Murana has been able to join the ranks of Sicily's top wine producers in a relatively short time. Unique in his logic and production philosophy, Murana is stubbornly passionate (if not obsessed) and soundly convinced of the benefits of thinning and of selection in the vineyard, as opposed to depending on technology or modern equipment. "The most ornate of Italy's many Moscatos comes from the sun-scorched volcanic isle of Pantelleria, which lies closer to Tunisia than to the rest of Sicily. The exotic surroundings have inspired myths since the Phoenicians first arrived with Zibibbo vines and began dedicating their sweet ambrosias to Tanit, the goddess of love.

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Mueggen Moscato Naturale Pantelleria DOC 2001

100% Moscato

The 2001 Mueggen, golden in color, expresses apricots, lavender, and Mediterranean herbs on its nose, good volume and smoothness on its palate, and flavors of raisins and coffee in addition to its fruit and substantial sugars.

Khamma Moscato Passito Pantelleria DOC 2000

100% Moscato

The 2000 Khamma (the names are a dead giveaway here, the island, like Malta, was an Arab settlement and is, in fact, closer to Tunisia than to the Italian mainland), a burnished gold in tonality, is sweet in aroma with notes of candied orange rind, dried apricots, and molasses, important volume and depth, and some lively lemon sensations to balance the important quantity of residual sugar.

Martingana Moscato Passito Pantelleria DOC 1999

100% Moscato

The 1999 Martingana is one of Italy's major dessert wines, a gleaming amber in color with an exceptionally rich nose of dates, fig jam, and raisins, almost explosively warm, and a superior richness and viscosity, a luscious, almost decadent sweetness which is kept in check by the acidity and the elegance and focus of the flavors.