Mimmo Paone is a Sicilian with the firmest, bone-crunching handshake we have ever experienced. Once our hands had recovered, we were very impressed with his two dark, brambly Nero d’Avolas. Although they are based on the north coast of Sicily, in the top right hand corner of the island, Mimmo’s Nero d’Avola is picked in Agrigento and driven overnight to their winery in Condro’ near Torregrotta. Funnari has become a firm Winery favourite.
Another highpoint is his Malvasia di Lipari, a deliciously unctuous, honied, aromatic dessert wine from a small volcanic island off the northeastern coast visible from Mimmo’s home in Torregrotta.
