Alepat Taylor Brand Manager, Frank Preiato, and Little Black Pig Host & Owner, Emilia Lakhi
Sicilian Wine Dinner
with Frank Preiato of Alepat Taylor
at Little Black Pig & Sons.
Sicily is one of Italy’s most remarkable wine regions, defined by history, terrain and a climate that produces wines of distinct character and place. As the largest wine-producing region in the Mediterranean, Sicily’s vineyards stretch across coastal plains, rolling hills and volcanic slopes, shaped by hot, dry summers and cooling sea breezes that preserve freshness and ripeness in equal measure. The soils vary from volcanic ash around Mount Etna to limestone and clay in the south-east and sandy sedimentary terraces in the west, each contributing complexity and minerality to the wines that grow there. Vineyards perched above 1,000 m on Etna’s slopes experience pronounced temperature shifts between day and night, enhancing acidity and vibrant aromatics in both red and white wines.
Sicily’s winemaking tradition spans millennia and boasts more than 60 indigenous grape varieties. Nero d’Avola, often called Sicily’s signature red, delivers bold fruit and structure, while lighter red varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Frappato reveal fine perfume and elegance. Whites from Sicily, including Grillo, Catarratto and Carricante, showcase bright citrus, saline minerality and refreshing balance that reflects their sun-soaked vineyards. From the volcanic intensity of Etna DOC to the structured red blends of the south-east and the aromatic whites of the western plains, Sicilian wines express a rare diversity rooted in terroir and tradition.
Join us at Little Black Pig & Sons on Thursday the 26th of March for an evening dedicated to these remarkable Sicilian wines. We’re delighted to welcome Frank Preiato of Alepat Taylor, who will curate and present a selection of standout bottles that capture the spirit of Sicily and its varied landscapes. Alepat Taylor is a family-run wine importer and distributor known for its deep relationships with historic producers and its commitment to quality, service and expertise across every stage of a wine’s journey from vineyard to glass.
With Frank’s guidance, discover how Sicily’s terroir - from volcanic slopes to limestone-rich soils - and its indigenous varieties create wines of personality, balance and sense of place. Frank along with Little Black Pig & Sons chef and owners, David and Emilia Lakhi, will guide you through five wines and matching courses in the Tuscan Room at Heidelberg’s Little Black Pig.
Thursday 26th March
6.30 pm start
at Little Black Pig & Sons
$195pp prepaid
MENU
Swordfish, fig jam, roasted peppers and peach gel
Alta Mora Etna Bianco DOC 2023
Murray cod, stuffed zucchini flower, saffron
Cusumano Shamaris Grillo Sicilia DOC 2024
Carnaroli, tomato conserva, green peas, 36-month Parmigiano Reggiano
Alta Mora Etna Rosso DOC 2022
Lamb noisette, eggplant, truffles, parsnip and jus
Cusumano Benuara Nero d'Avola - Syrah Terre Siciliane IGT 2022
Rum Baba, zabaglione, cherries
Limoncello di Sicilia
*Menu may change with produce availability
Chocolate agnolotti filled with duck, burnt butter, sage
Pasqua Wines Export Manager, Cecilia Pasqua, and Little Black Pig Host and Owner, Emilia Lakhi, presenting the quiz prize.
Little Black Pig Chef and Owner, David Lakhi