Sole e Vento Bianco 2023

This Bianco Terre Siciliane IGP cuvée unites two terroirs of western Sicily: the Grillo comes from Contrada Samperi, near Marsala, on flat limestone and sandy soils, while the Zibibbo is grown on terraces on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, at 350 metres above sea level. This dialogue between the Marsala sun and the sea winds of Pantelleria defines the wine’s distinctive identity.

The bunches are rigorously selected by hand; the Grillo is picked in early September and the Zibibbo in the second week. After destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes undergo a cold maceration of about 24 hours. The must is then gently pressed and settled at low temperature for 48 hours. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with native yeasts. Ageing continues for 8 months in stainless-steel tanks on fine lees.

This wine reveals notes of apricot, ripe mango, pineapple, orange and lemon, followed by orange blossom, elderflower, fennel, Mediterranean herbs, aniseed, toasted grains and a touch of seashell. The dry, juicy palate combines a supple texture with lively acidity and a saline-mineral thread. Its fresh, slightly bitter and spicy finish harmoniously extends the Mediterranean expression.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, home of the Dolce Vita, but how hard it is to understand how its wine is organised! The key to understanding Italy's appellation system is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single uniform one, since each region has its own appellation system. Yet Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavours and styles, as well as bottles full of surprise and creativity. Unfortunately it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most useful and commercially renowned names: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others... But let us talk a little history: winegrowing in Italy goes back to the most distant antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and changed the grape varieties, later calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and some regions already stood out for the excellence of their produce. The Romans also planted many vineyards across Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquests. Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a fairly harsh mountain climate. The plain in the "middle of the boot" has a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. The "south of the boot" enjoys a Mediterranean climate with very hot, very dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a great variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of them native to its land. It is a country just as complex as its wines, and well worth exploring!