Marco de Bartoli Vino Bianco “Sole e Vento” (Zibibbo/Grillo) 2024 750ml

50% Zibibbo/50% Grillo. This dry white combines Grillo from De Bartoli vines in Samperi (Marsala) and Zibibbo from their vines on the island of Pantelleria. The Grillo vines are about 20 years old and single-Guyot-grown on the limestone-rich sandy loam and flat land typical of the area with a yield of 35 hl/ha; the Zibibbo comes from 30-year-old alberello-trained (aka gobelet- or head-trained) vines on volcanic-soil terraces at an altitude of 350 meters with a yield of 25 hl/ha. All of the fruit is organically farmed, hand-harvested (a little later on Pantelleria compared to Marsala), destemmed, gently pressed and then macerated with skins for approximately 24 hours. After a 48-hour setting at cool temperatures, fermentation takes places in stainless steel vats with natural yeasts only; the Grillo and Zibibbo are co-fermented. The wine then spends 7 months in stainless steel before bottling; total sulfur is a moderate 45 mg/liter.

“Sole e Vento” is a tip of the hat to the two different sunny and windy islands from which it originates. It is classified as IGT Terre Siciliane and was first bottled in 1997.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Italian White Blend

Italian white blend wines exemplify the country’s rich winemaking heritage, offering a diverse range of styles and flavors. What makes these blends unique is the meticulous interplay of indigenous grape varieties, each contributing distinctive characteristics to the final composition. Grapes like Trebbiano, Garganega, Vermentino, and Malvasia often feature in these blends, creating a harmonious fusion of floral, citrus, and tropical fruit notes.

The versatility of Italian white blends is underscored by their regional diversity, from the crisp and mineral-driven whites of Friuli-Venezia Giulia to the fuller-bodied expressions of Sicily. These wines frequently exhibit a balance between acidity and texture, making them suitable for various occasions and culinary pairings.

Italian white blends reflect a commitment to tradition while embracing innovation, offering a delightful exploration for wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif or paired with Mediterranean cuisine, these wines showcase Italy’s vinous mosaic, inviting enthusiasts to savor the unique tapestry of flavors crafted from the country’s indigenous white grape varieties.