Tasting Review- Vigneti Zabu Grillo IGT

"You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things."- Nate Berkus 

Grillo which is also known as Riddu is a white grape varietal originated from Sicily, Italy..

 It is actually cultivated for the production of Marsala and it have a long history of being popular with the Romans

Grillo is a natural crossing between Catarratto and Zibibo (Moscato di Alessandria).. 

It is a versatile grape varietal which was slowly gaining popularity in being a dry table wine and it slowly peak the interest of fellow growers and consumers that found this varietal has the ability to make a modern, charming and impactful wine eventhough they aren't very aromatic or bursting with attractive notes of floral or fruit notes like the other indigenous Italian varietals..  

Grillo 

Grillo grape characteristics are well exhbited when the varietal is planted in a hot and dry climate like the Sicilian or Mediterranean climate.. It is either being made alone or blended with Chardonnay or the local varietal Catarratto..
This varietal makes an amazing aperitifs wine that refreshes your palate and a versatile varietal to pair it with variety of cuisines! This varietal is suited to pair it with either lighter meals during the summer or even with grilled seafoods or vegetables or just enjoy it by itself!

Vigneti Zabu is located in the area of Sambuca di Sicilia which is located in Sicily.. It is an ancient vineyards steeped with thousand year old tradition.. It has the ideal microclimate with it's temperate ranges during summer and it has the most perfect view of the Lake Arancio that perfectly sums of their vineyard location being the most ideal place for the vines growth and flavour development! 

This winery also produces reds and whites other local and international varietals such as Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Chardonnay and also fortified wines using Zibibbo and Moscatello using the appasimento method like the Valpolicella wines..

Tasting notes:

Aroma& Appearance:

aromatic yet elegant and soft with citrus notes of grapefruit, lemon, lime, tangerine, white peaches, pear, aromatic herbs, white flowers

Palate:

Has a very flavourful intensity in terms of the aromas that we got from the nose being translated to the palate
It has a bone dry, medium bodied mouthfeel accompanied by a creamy texture towards the middle of the palate alongside with medium minus acidity together with some hints of walnut, almond, minerals, white flower notes and a long finish that is very pleasant with or without food! 

Quite similar to an old world Chardonnay

Food pairing:

Grilled swordfish
seafood appetizers
vegetarian dishes
salmon sashimi
greek salad
Pasta

Alternative grape varietal to try out are:

Grenache Blanc