Eolia "Bianco V", Salina - 2021

First things first, please do an image search for the island of Salina. If that doesn't compel you to try this wine, I'm not sure what will! On this volcanic island, coupled winemakers Natascia and Luca are creating bold wines from the Malvasia delle Lipari grape, which is typically made into the region's classic passito dessert wines. The secret to the sauce might be in the location of their vineyards, nestled at 400m between Salina's twin volcanic peaks. This is a complex white, lees-aged for a year in stainless steel to bring an approachable softness to what is otherwise a sharply mineral wine. Dusty orchard fruit and fennel aromas will give way to notes of salty vegetation, gasoline, and even popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast. Surely a wine to savor over a long evening meal, planning your next island getaway.