Sicilia Bianco

Wine Description

Vintage Notes:

2024: This vintage will remain as the year in which the lowest total rainfall over a 12-month period was reached. Due to a particularly warmness and rainless winter and spring, the harvest began a record 12-15 days earlier than average, third decade of July. We recorded a drop a drop in yields, which particularly affected the reds. Despite the reduction in quantities, it is a promising year for the resulting wines. All the native varieties demonstrated their resilience in overcoming environmental stress. TImely harvests allowed us to safeguard the acidity of the white wines. Excellent expressions of Grillo who is characterized by an intense bouquet.

2023: It was the most challenging in recent years. Characterized by a raiy spring that created a little risk of fungal diseases on the plants, followed by one of the hottest summers. Despite this, it will be a year to remember for the high quality of the wines produced. Our erea benefited from its proximity to the sea, which allowed temperatures to remain below reasonable during the hottest days. For the white grapes varieties, it was a year of medium-large yields, with great aromatic finesse, especially for Grillo.

2020: Vintage quantities were more in line with previous years. In terms of quality, a very good year thanks to the climate. There was a consistent spring-summer period, with late rains in spring and temperatures above average in June-July. In the first weeks of August, greater temperature variation between day and night allowed the grapes to preserve excellent acidity and to enhance their aromas.

2019: In terms of quantity, one of the least productive vintages of the decade, due to adverse weather conditions during the spring season.  Quality however remained high.

 

Sicilia Bianco:

Two sisters, Clara and Annamaria Sala, own this organic farm in Mazara del Vallo (a city well known for its fishing, and famous for its shrimp). A bird sanctuary surrounds the winery of 115 hectares. This property was a split-off from the old Cantine Pellegrino and is now all women-owned (all too rare in Italy).

Our collaboration together for this 100% Grillo started with an introduction to the winery by mutual friends. We loved the density and bright acidity of this Grillo. These grapes are grown in a 1-hectare parcel called “Contrada San Nicola” which lies on a slight slope of sandy limestone beside the sea. This vineyard is exposed to Mediterranean Sea breezes and to the salty air spreading all over the area – one of the main reasons that this Grillo showcases a distinctive minerality, perfectly combined with citrus notes.

Everything from the vines to the winemaking is certified organic and done by hand – including the harvest. The grapes here are normally picked the second to third week of August, immediately brought to the winery (literally a few yards away) and gently pressed. The grapes’ skins macerate with the juice for 4 hours. The Grillo is fermented in stainless steel tanks, where it ages on the lees for 2-3 months more before bottling. It then matures in bottle for a further 3 months before release.

*Vegan!

We love the rich saline / citrus Mediterranean brightness of this wine – infinitely drinkable. Pair with all kinds of light healthy Mediterranean foods, especially seafood!