Medium gold color; yellow apple, pear, floral nose; green apple, grapefruit, lemon-lime, peach, honeydew melon, almonds on the palate.
Dry; no tannins; light-medium body. Tangy, medium acidity. Made with organically grown grapes. Grapes grown in 30-year-old estate vineyards in Contessa Entellina; 100% grillo. Soft pressed for eight hours, then fermented in stainless steel. Matured for six months on its fine lees. Certified organic and vegan friendly. 13% ABV
Di Giovanna is a fifth-generation company run by brothers Gunther and Klaus Di Giovanna. Their parents, Aurelio and Barbara, still participate. They are among the oldest wine growing families in Sicily. The cellar is located in the mountainside of Monte Genuardo, a protected nature reserve.
Grillo is the signature white wine from Sicily, where most of the grillo vines in the world grow. The name means “cricket” in Italian and also is an Italian surname. Once used exclusively in marsala production, grillo now is made as a varietal such as this effort.
Grillo often is referred to as a fuller, funkier alternative to pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. The vines can withstand high temperatures and drought and still produce copiously. Grillo is not an ancient grape. DNA analysis indicates it is a cross between catarratto and zibibbo, a biotype related to muscat of Alexandria. It likely was created by Antonio Mendola in 1873.
Di Giovanna Vurría Grillo, Sicilia IGT 2020 is crisp, easy drinker made with Sicily’s signature white grape. Fresh and tangy fun. Flavorful with grapefruit, lemon-lime leading the parade on the palate. If you enjoy sauv blanc and its food friendliness, you will enjoy—and should seek out—this unique Sicilian delight. Pair with shellfish; lighter fish; chicken salad; pasta; charcuterie board; vegetarian fare; appetizers and snacks. Cheese—goat cheese; feta; burrata. $13-15
