Discover the Soul of Sicily: A Deep Dive into Lamura Wines

Lamura Wines: A Taste of Sicily’s Organic Soul and Italian Wine Heritage

Italy has been cultivating wine for over 4,000 years, and every bottle from its sun-drenched hills and coastal vineyards carries a whisper of that ancient story. When you pour a glass of Lamura, you’re not just enjoying a delicious wine—you’re tapping into generations of agricultural wisdom, deep cultural roots, and the distinct spirit of Sicily.

At Winkler & Samuels, we are always looking for wines that are more than just a drink. We seek wines that tell a story, connect us to place, and honor the legacy of winemaking. Lamura Wines—crafted in Sicily by the forward-thinking cooperative Cantine Ermes—embody this beautifully.

A Legacy Rooted in the Land: Lamura’s Organic Philosophy

Lamura is part of the growing movement of Italian wineries returning to traditional, low-intervention farming. Produced by Cantine Ermes, founded in 1998 in western Sicily, Lamura wines are made entirely from organically grown grapes, with a commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental respect.

While the cooperative itself is relatively young, it stands on centuries of Sicilian winemaking tradition. Sicily has long been one of Italy’s most prolific wine regions, thanks to its rich volcanic soils, coastal breezes, and abundant sunshine. It’s a natural home for organic farming—where grapes flourish without synthetic inputs and the land is nurtured rather than exploited.

Lamura's philosophy is simple but profound: let nature speak through the vine. This means minimal intervention in the vineyard, gentle handling in the cellar, and wines that express varietal purity and terroir.

A Glimpse Into Italian Wine History

Italy’s winemaking tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks and Etruscans, who planted the first vineyards long before the Roman Empire made wine a cornerstone of culture and commerce. Over centuries, Italy’s regions developed unique wine styles based on local climates, soils, and grape varieties.

Sicily—once called “Oenotria” by the Greeks, meaning “the land of vines”—has played a central role in this story. Though often overshadowed by the wines of northern Italy, Sicily is now re-emerging as one of the country’s most dynamic regions, especially in the world of organic and sustainable viticulture.

The Grapes That Define Lamura: Nero d’Avola & Grillo

Nero d’Avola: The Black Grape of Sicily

No grape captures the Sicilian identity better than Nero d’Avola. Known locally as "Calabrese," this varietal is the bold heart of Sicilian red wine. It’s named after the town of Avola in southeastern Sicily, and its origins can be traced back hundreds of years.

Nero d’Avola thrives in Sicily’s warm climate, producing wines with deep ruby color, robust dark fruit flavors, and a hint of spice. What makes Lamura’s organic Nero d’Avola so compelling is its balance—it offers the richness and intensity the grape is known for, but with silky tannins and vibrant freshness that make it incredibly drinkable.

You’ll find notes of black cherry, ripe plum, and hints of Mediterranean herbs. It’s the perfect wine for slow-cooked tomato sauces, roasted meats, grilled eggplant, or a casual evening of pizza and conversation. And yet, there’s a subtlety here—a finesse—that elevates it far beyond what many expect from this humble grape.

Grillo: A Grape Born of Sun and Sea

Grillo is one of Sicily’s most exciting white grape varieties—and one with an intriguing past. Originally used as a blending grape for Marsala, Sicily’s historic fortified wine, Grillo has now found new life as a star in dry, still white wines.

A natural cross between Catarratto and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria), Grillo has both structure and aromatics. In the glass, Lamura’s organic Grillo is a zesty, sea-breeze-scented wine with notes of lemon peel, white peach, and herbs like thyme or fennel. There’s a distinct minerality that speaks of Sicily’s coastal vineyards and volcanic soils.

It’s crisp and refreshing, but also surprisingly layered—a wine that’s as lovely with oysters and grilled shrimp as it is with herb-roasted chicken or soft cheeses. If you love Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino, Grillo might just be your new favorite white wine.

Why Lamura Matters

At a time when wine can sometimes feel over-processed or overly commercialized, Lamura stands out. These wines aren’t flashy or overworked—they’re honest, expressive, and true to their roots. They offer an opportunity to experience Italian wine as it was meant to be: a connection to place, tradition, and the rhythm of the land.

And let’s not forget—these are affordable organic wines, making it easier than ever to drink well and live sustainably.

Bring Sicily to Your Table

Whether you’re looking to build your home wine cellar, expand your palate, or simply pour something meaningful at your next dinner, Lamura’s Nero d’Avola and Grillo are two wines worth exploring. They bring Sicily’s soul into your glass and offer a fresh, vibrant take on Italy’s ancient traditions.

We’re proud to carry these wines at Winkler & Samuels and would love to help you experience them in your next wine club selection or class. Come taste what makes Lamura so special—you just might find your new go-to bottle.

Cheers!

Melissa