Here we go again. It’s September, and it’s time for our recurring event “From bubbles to passito in 40 minutes,” which we’ve been curating for several years now alongside the golf tournament “The Challenge,” returning this year to the Castel Gandolfo Country Club.
We’re in the Castelli Romani area, and I must say — speaking as a golfer — that playing on this course is truly an exceptional experience. But even as a non‑golfer, it’s just as special: strolling across a lawn overlooking a stunning landscape, and having a frescoed room at your disposal for hosting a tasting, isn’t something you get every day.
Last summer, Federico spent time in Marsala for his enology internship. During one of these Marsala visits, we had the chance to meet Kika Federica Fina — or rather, the entire Fina family — and we were pleasantly surprised by their hospitality, the place itself, and, of course, their wines.
I confess: from the very first glass, enjoyed on their terrace overlooking the Egadi Islands, I had already planned this invitation — to have Fina participate in The Challenge… An idea that grew steadily over the year as we saw Federica active on multiple fronts, from organizing her summer event “Kebrillerà” to her attention toward younger generations.
It didn’t take much to convince her — nor to convince me that this tasting needed to be led by someone young. So I stepped aside, leaving the stage to Federico.
We began with Fina Metodo Classico Pas Dosé — Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — followed by Hanami, a rosé made from Merlot. Then we shifted to local varieties with Taif, a dry‑vinified Zibibbo that surprised the room. It was then the turn of Nero d’Avola, a wine that took us on a pleasant journey of different aromas and flavors, before ending with El Aziz.
Not a drop of El Aziz remained. Maybe because of the charming story of a harvest that became “late” after a trip to Favignana, or because of its extraordinary bouquet that envelops you the moment you bring it to your nose, or the urge to pair it — perhaps with a nice blue cheese — that hits you as soon as you start drinking it.
Visit Contrada Bausa. Just steps from the Trapani airport.
Expect hospitality, family, wine.
If I had to summarize everything in one word, I would choose: well‑being 😊
