Pupillo Pollio Moscato di Siracusa DOC 2022

Pollio is born on the Pupillo family estate, in Targia, at the gates of Syracuse, on the south-east coast of Sicily. This fief, acquired in 1909 by Antonino Pupillo, is bounded by the Dionysian walls that once encircled the ancient city. The Moscato Bianco vines, planted in 1980 in the Mulino cru, take root in a medium-textured limestone soil and are oriented north–south. The cuvée pays tribute to King Pollis of Argos who, according to the tradition reported by Hesiod, brought Moscato Bianco from Thrace to Syracuse.

The grapes are harvested by hand during the first ten days of August, then destemmed and crushed. A two-hour cryomaceration extracts the variety's delicate aromas before settling. Fermentation then takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve the freshness and aromatic expression of the Moscato. The wine is aged on its fine lees for three to four months, with weekly bâtonnage that brings roundness and texture without masking the fruit. The result is a naturally sweet Moscato with measured sweetness.

This wine reveals notes of Muscat grape, orange blossom, acacia, jasmine, white peach, apricot, lemon zest and sage. The crystalline yellow colour precedes an aromatic, floral, slightly citrusy nose. The delicately sweet palate remains fresh and airy thanks to its measured sweetness. The clean, fragrant finish leaves a pleasant impression of crunchy fruit.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!