From: Sicily, Italy
Varietals: Catarratto, Zibbibo
Tasting Notes: The aroma is a captivating mix that leads with a citrusy zest of tangerine, subtle spice notes of cloves, and subtle jasmine blossoms. This is complemented by an undercurrent of white flowers and anise, adding complexity. The wine exhibits a lively acidity and a slight tannic structure on the palate that conjures images of apricot tea. The citrus notes transform into a pronounced grapefruit flavor with ripe stone fruit. The finish is clean, with the floral and spicy characteristics lingering pleasantly, encouraging another taste. This wine's blend of floral, fruity, and spicy flavors, along with its structured mouthfeel, makes it an excellent companion to dishes featuring aromatic herbs or light spices.
Pairing: This wine's blend of floral, fruity, and spicy flavors, along with its structured mouthfeel, makes it an excellent companion to dishes featuring aromatic herbs or light spices. The bright acidity and citrus can complement seafood dishes beautifully. Consider pairing it with grilled octopus, seared scallops, or a citrusy shrimp ceviche. The subtle spicy undertones of cloves and anise in the wine make it an excellent match for mildly spicy cuisines. Try it with Asian dishes like Thai green curry or Szechuan chicken.
Trini-Chinese Chicken By Sam Sifton
About. Due Terre is a notable wine producer based in Sicily, Italy, led by Vito Lauria, a native of Alcamo, and Catherine Stratton, a Californian wine enthusiast. After studying enology at the University of Udine and gaining experience in Northern Italy, Vito returned to Sicily in 2005 to rejuvenate his family’s old winery. The winery, which strongly emphasizes organic practices, collaborates with small family growers in Alcamo, particularly focusing on the varied sandy and calcareous soils of Mt. Bonifato.
Due Terre offers a range of wines that are produced with minimal intervention. The wines are fermented using native yeast to maintain the authenticity of flavor derived from indigenous Sicilian grapes like Catarratto and Nero d'Avola. Notably, their portfolio includes innovative options like the Ambratu Terre Siliciane Orange Wine, which features a blend of 80% Catarratto and 20% Zibibbo, aiming to offer high drinkability and a distinct style reflective of the Sicilian terroir.
Their Catarratto Siciliane Bianco, for instance, uses a less common biotype of Catarratto called Bianco Lucido, known for producing higher quality wines, ensuring a more refined and consistent flavor profile typical of Sicilian white wines.
Due Terre’s commitment to producing high-quality wines using traditional and organic methods has made them a unique presence in the Sicilian wine scene, catering to both local and international markets with their diverse and region-specific offerings
The Zibibbo grape, also known as Muscat of Alexandria, is a historically significant variety of white grape particularly prominent in the Mediterranean region. It is best known for its role in producing sweet and dessert wines, especially on the Italian island of Pantelleria, where it's used to make the renowned Passito di Pantelleria.
Zibibbo grapes are noted for their high sugar content and aromatic profile, often including a range of floral and fruity flavors such as orange blossom, apricot, and peach.
The grape's thick skin helps it withstand the hot and windy conditions typical of the regions where it thrives.
In addition to sweet wines, Zibibbo can also produce dry, aromatic white wines that retain the grape's characteristic flavors but with less sweetness. The versatility and distinctive flavor profile of Zibibbo make it a valued variety in the winemaking world.
This grape is prized for its contribution to the wine industry and holds cultural significance, particularly in Sicily and Pantelleria, where it is deeply integrated into the local winemaking traditions and heritage.
