Arridu Grillo 2018

Sicilia DOP, Italy Arridu Grillo is a beautiful new white wine gem from Sicily made from 100% Grillo. The winery, Maggio Vini, was founded about 50 years ago and is based outside Vittoria in the southern part of Sicily. They grow indigenous grapes--Catarratto, Nero d'Avola, and Frappato, as well as international varieties--Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir in their 123 acres of vineyards. This wine is made from 100% Grillo, a grape variety thought to be a cross between Cataratto and Zibibbo grape varieties. Grillo was principally used to make Marsala, and the variety was nearly abandoned in the 1960's. The grape has been brought back to popularity in its own right as a dry white wine. The name of the wine, Ariddu, is the Sicilian translation of the grape variety. The skin of the grape is transparent and thick, with a golden yellow color, resulting in straw-yellow wine. The grape characteristics result in a wine with a strong personality that stands out among Sicilian white wines. It offers a floral, herbal aroma, commonly with notes of peach and wildflowers. Valle dell'Acate Zagra Grillo is medium in body, crisp and clean. It is soft amber in color with a fragrant, exuberant bouquet of stone fruit and citrus notes. Its flavors are bright and fresh, with citrus lingering on the palate. The wine was fermented in stainless steel to retain this varietal's floral profile. It is crisp and refreshing with a long, polished finish. Enjoy Arridu Grillo with seafood, grilled fish, vegetable tempura, pasta, and ripe cheeses.