On the wine paths of Italy: Salina Island

Salina Island is one of the Aeolian Islands. These Islands provided an outstanding record of volcanic "island-building" in the past and ongoing volcanic phenomena in the recent years. "The drop of the earth" in the Tyrrhenian Sea is said to be the best place to visit for wine tasting; this can be mainly because the best wine in Italy can be found here, while at the same time wine drinking is the locals' main activity. They call it Dolce far niente - "the sweetness of doing nothing". These Islands are famous touristic spots because of the beaches and their eternal summer vacation atmosphere. When you’re done chasing museums, take a trip down here! The south of Italy has the long-deserved rest you are longing for.

Salina has everything that any Mediterranean spot can have- good olives and wine. In addition, capers of the best kind are produced here and they're the best simply because of the awesome Mediterranean climate; they're so great that every year in June a Caper festival is organised!

In the small place Lingua, there is a salt lake that was used for salt production in the past. Today however, it is not exploited for salt. The name of the island comes from this lake. Salina translates to  "salt mill" in english.

The Village of Lingua

98050 Lingua ME, Italy

With the intention of preserving the natural conditions, the island's construction work is strictly limited. New objections are subject to many rules and prohibitions, and the coasts have to be renewed and reconstructed, maintaining the style of the traditional whitewashed houses. These houses are cubes, built from local construction materials such as stone, lava, pumice, and tuff. Almost every house has large yards overflowing with flowers and vines. The facades, balconies, and cascades are gracefully decorated with terracotta tiles and vivid painted details (which is clearly a Spanish influence, taking into account the Spanish domination over those islands in the distant past).

"Malvasia" the typical wine

 Now, let's talk about wine. Some claim that the first wine was produced in Sicily. Since this is not proven,  and since we like evidence, we can only say the best wine can be found here, but not necessarily the first. The typical wine of Salina is Malvasia and simply cannot be skipped. It is golden in color and has an intense, delicately sweet "bouquet". The sweet flavor of Malvasia is characterised by aromas of candied fruit, accompanied by a pleasant sensation of freshness. The grapes are harvested when fully mature and for the next two weeks are dried in the sun, while being turned over every 2-3 days and covered completely during the night. A short process for a memory of a lifetime. Salute!