From: Sicily, Italy
Varietal: Grillo
Taste: This Grillo wine presents a brilliant straw yellow color. It offers an intense bouquet on the nose with clear aromatic and delicate notes of flowers, banana, and tropical fruits, complemented by herbal and smoky undertones. The proximity to the sea imparts a unique character, making the wine super dry, round, and fresh. The palate is fresh and balanced with well-integrated acidity, saltiness, and softness. The flavor profile includes green apple, orange and lemon citrus, and Mediterranean herbs, supported by just enough acidity to maintain freshness. The finish is fantastic, featuring lingering, bitter-edged, mineral-tinged notes with pronounced minerality and acidity.
Pairing: This Grillo is the embodiment of freshness and balance, making it an ideal choice for a dry aperitif or a pairing with most seafood, fish pastas, or roast chicken. Some other ideas for pairing this wine vary, ranging from macaroni with fresh lemon and cream sauce to Sicilian pasta dishes. It can harmonize with the tanginess of lemon chicken (check out the recipe below) or the creamy delight of walnut-rolled goats' cheese with honey. The wine's herbal note and bright acidity also complement dishes that incorporate crab, scallops, grilled shrimp, fish tacos, vegetable dishes— especially those that include eggplant and fresh produce, and pastas like arancini, caponata, or pasta con le sarde.
Double Lemon Chicken
By Yotam Ottolenghi
About. In the rich landscape of Sicilian viticulture, the Gurrieri estate, nestled within the fertile Val di Noto and the prestigious area of the only Sicilian DOCG, that of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, is a beacon of family passion and commitment to preserving the unique identity of their territory. The estate's roots can be traced back fifty years to the agricultural fervor of Vincenzo and Graziella. This fervor ignited a flame within their children, Giovanni and Angela, inspiring them to continue their parents' tradition of producing grapes, wine, and oil in the vicinity of the quaint town of Chiaramonte Gulfi, in the province of Ragusa.
Giovanni Gurrieri's family cultivates 3.2 hectares of land organically and also rents an additional 3 hectares in Chiaramonte Gulfi. The breezy Mediterranean climate, punctuated by the stark temperature variations between day and night, coupled with the calcareous soil, fosters the growth of robust, aromatic, and distinct wines. Every bottle encapsulates the strength, vigor, and unique flavors of native vines, such as Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Grillo. From meticulous selection to a two-pass harvest and gentle crushing, the wine-making process is carried out with utmost precision to ensure that the wine's potential is fully realized.
The Star of the Show: 2022 Giovanni Gurrieri, Grillo, DOC Sicilia
Grillo, a white grape variety thought to be native to Sicily, is a cross between Catarratto and Moscato di Alessandria/Zibibbo. It thrives in the Sicilian climate and, when grown and vinified properly, showcases a delightful freshness, perfume, and notes of citrus, apple, and herbs. Grown on sandy clay soil near Mazzarrone, the Grillo grapes are harvested around mid-September, pressed immediately, and fermented at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts. After roughly nine months in the tank, the Grillo wine is bottled and is ready to regale the world with its captivating character.
Interestingly, the origins of Grillo have sparked a fascinating debate. While some believe it to be native to Sicily, born from Catarratto and Muscat of Alexandria, others argue it may have been imported from Puglia, a southern region of Italy. There's even a theory suggesting that Grillo could be the variety used in Mamertino, a Roman wine favored by Julius Caesar.
As the focus in Sicilian viticulture has shifted from quantity to quality, Grillo has experienced a resurgence. Modern winemaking techniques have allowed vintners to control thiols better, giving Grillo wines fruit-driven aromas, revamping the earthy styles previously available. Grillo has earned its place at the Italian table, offering light, easy-drinking, and good value wines that rival Soave, Gavi, and IGT Pinot Grigio.
