Artisan Goodies from Noto

Noto and southeastern Sicily are brimming with artisan suppliers producing the finest goods to eat and drink. On arrival, guests at my holiday home, The Rooftop, are treated to a welcome hamper of my favourite artisan goodies from Noto and the Val di Noto…

Eureka Wine by Marabino

Marabino is a family-run winery that makes wines that reflect their terroir, which combines soil, climate, and environment. In my opinion, Marabina is one of the undiscovered fine wines of Sicily. Their wines are certified natural, which means they are fermented with native yeast and without pesticides, herbicides, or additives. The Eureka is made from 100% chardonnay grapes, a non-indigenous varietal, a white wine rich in style that expresses the aromas and flavours typical of this south-eastern Sicily. The grapes are vinified in steel tanks with the skins for about fifteen days; they mature in the steel tanks for eighteen months. The Eureka should be served chilled.

Instagram: Marabino

Frappata Wine by Planeta

Planeta is a family-run winery and hospitality business that spans the island of Sicily from West to East. While only planting their first vine in 1985, they have become one of the largest international exporters of Sicilian wines. Their wines are certified organic, which means they are made using only organically certified additives. The Frapatta is made from 100% Frapatta grape, an indigenous grape varietal. It is a light red wine that can be served at room temperature, or my preference is slightly chilled, especially in the summer and with fish.

Instagram: Planeta

‍Don Cicco Gold Selection Extra-Virgin Olive Oil by Ruta

Ruta is a family-run, award-winning business producing olive oil directly from their olive groves. The Don Ciccio Gold Selection Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is made from the first harvested Moresca olives. The yellow-green colour reveals a medium or lightly fruity oil, with a sharp, herbaceous component immediately pleasing on the nose, enriched by firm, fruity notes of green apple and black pepper. To the taste, it is broad and complex, with scents of fields of vegetables and artichokes, a slight bitterness and a balanced spiciness. It can dress delicate fish and white meat and completes the delicate flavours of vegetable grills or salads.

Instagram: Ruta

Val di Noto Almonds by Pagliarello

Sicilian almonds, particularly those from Avola, have three times more Vitamin E than is commonly found in other almonds. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, fundamental in fat control and an adjuvant against atherosclerosis and male sterility. Another essential element found among the nutritional characteristics of Sicilian almonds is monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (around 90% of the content), better known as omega, which are helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular system disorders. Finally, the Sicilian Almond contains a high value of amygdalin, a molecule that, according to recent studies, has anti-cancer properties. So enjoy the almonds as part of your evening aperitivo and feel good about it!

Instagram: Pagliarello

Biscotti by Biscottificio Fichera Vittorio

Biscottificio di Fichera Vittorio is a local bakery located on the outskirts of Noto. They specialise in biscotti, panettone, cannoli, gelati and frutta Martorana. It is the perfect place to drop in and buy edible gifts to take home. Fichera Vittorio and Biscotti are the ideal Sicilian accompaniment to your morning, afternoon, evening or anytime coffee!

Instagram: Fichera Vittorio

Il Ciocalato di Noto (The Chocolate of Noto) by Sabadi

Sabadi is a multi-award-winning chocolate named the Tavoletta d'Oro (Golden Tablet) for over ten consecutive years. The city of Modica is unique in the world of chocolate because of its age-old cold working process in which the temperature never exceeds 45 degrees Celsius. In this way, it is argued that the Ecuadorian cocoa’s unique aromatic notes and the other ingredients’ beneficial properties are fully preserved. As an untempered chocolate, it maintains the grainy consistency of the taste of the sugar. The ingredients are all certified organic and from fair trade producers and Slow Food presidia.

Instagram: Sabadi