Colomba Bianca Grillo Vitese 2020
Established in 1970, Colomba Bianca Cantine is the largest Sicilian grower cooperative and the biggest Italian producer of Organic Wine, with more than 1,000 hectares dedicated to organically farmed vines. Colomba Bianca also has a further 7,500 hectares of vineyards, growing indigenous and international varieties. Despite their size, they engage a philosophy of micro-viticulture and micro-winemaking to ensure the ultimate precision, quality and expression of terroir. The stunning range of single variety and innovative blends are tailor-made under the watchful eye of head winemaker Mattia Filippi. Dynamic and passionate, the Cantine is constantly evolving with investments in the vineyards and in the technology of their five specialist wineries. With their sights firmly fixed on the future of Sicilian wine, Colomba Bianca is fast becoming one of the leading names in organic winemaking in Italy.
Vintage
The winter and early spring season were characterised by mild and cool conditions, with humid nights. The late spring to summer period saw an almost total absence of rain, with less than 300mm combined with the absence of the typical African sirocco winds. Careful soil management was required, along with judicious use of green manure to nourish the vines and avoid hydric stress. The vintage was lower in quantity compared to previous years, but the quality was high, with aromatic whites and red wines showing a considerable polyphenolic content.
Vineyard
Grillo is famous for its role in the production of Marsala wines but has recently come into its own as a varietal making light, fresh and citrussy wines. Here in these sun-drenched vineyards, the highest standards are attained through the use of innovative technology and the careful process of mapping the terroir according to the weather patterns, harvesting time, soils and vine age. The grapes undergo a sensory analysis and are hand-harvested at the optimum maturity levels, according to the terroir and microclimate of the vineyard. They are then harvested into 20kg containers, to prevent the grapes from being prematurely crushed. The vineyards are made up of distinct soil and climate conditions and range from sea level up to 700 metres above sea level, imparting subtle complexity into the wine.
Winemaking
The grapes were handpicked at their optimum maturity and then vinified in small stainless steel tanks to retail the freshness and purity of fruit of the Grillo variety. A soft pressing of the must took place at 12°C for 24 hours, followed by fermentation at 16°C with selected yeasts. The wine rested in tank for four months, preserving all the aromatics, prior to its release.
Tasting Note
Grillo is the flagship of Sicily's indigenous white varieties, with its aromatic and floral nose. Fresh and harmonious on the well-structured palate, the Vitese Grillo has a long and elegant finish.
Serving Suggestion
A wonderful white to serve with fish-based pasta dishes, delicate risottos or slow-roasted lemon chicken.
Grape: Grillo 100%
Country: Italy. Region: Sicily
Alcohol: 13%
Dry/Sweet value: 1 (1 is dry, 7 is very sweet)
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milk/Eggs: No/No
