Centopassi Grillo Catarratto 2022 Fashion

The Wine: Centopassi Grillo Catarratto 2022

Centopassi Grillo Catarratto is a white wine made from a blend of Grillo and Catarratto organic grapes grown in Sicily, Southern Italy. Vibrant, medium-bodied, palate with herbs, apple, and mandarin orange. Pair it with Pasta con le Sarde.

The Producer: Centopassi

Centopassi stands out in Western Sicily for producing exceptional wines and its unique story and commitment to organic practices. Situated in the high Belice Corleonese plateau, more than 500 meters above sea level near Corleone, south of Palermo, its vineyards thrive on various types of clay soil, benefiting from cool nights that infuse the grapes with fresh acidity. Focusing on indigenous Sicilian varieties, Centopassi crafts wines that truly reflect the local terroir, ranging from the highly drinkable Giato Rosso and Bianco to some of the most acclaimed single-vineyard wines from Sicily, rivaling even those from Etna. The estate s white wines are notably vivid and refreshing.

Beyond winemaking, Centopassi embodies a powerful stance against the Mafia, operating on land seized from convicted mobsters. This act of defiance is a statement against the Mafia s long-standing influence over Sicily and its people. Centopassi and its parent organization, Libera Terra, are part of a broader movement to repurpose these lands for the common good, offering a story of redemption and resistance.

Harvesting occurs from late August to September, with the white wines fermented using neutral selected yeasts and the reds with indigenous yeasts, further emphasizing the natural qualities of their wines.

The Region: Sicily

Sicily is Italy’s biggest island and also its biggest region. It’s separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina (Stretto di Messina). The capital of Sicily is Palermo, a majestically decadent multicultural city offering one of the richest culinary traditions in Italy.

Sicily’s history and culture are fascinating, to say the least. Their complexity is manifest in the diverse architecture of its cities. All over the region and particularly in Palermo we can find Arab, Greek, Roman, and Spanish influences in the layout of the city as well as in the food and local language.

Sicily is the third biggest producing country in Italy, behind Veneto and Tuscany. The quality of Sicilian wines has increased steadily over the past 30 years. Some international grape varietals – mainly chardonnay and syrah – have found a place in Sicilian viticulture, traditionally dominated by native varietals such as Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia.

The Terroir of Sicily

Sicily s proximity to Northern Africa and its position right at the center of the Mediterranean reflect deeply on its climate. Endless sunshine, moderate rainfalls, and good aeration characterize pretty much the whole region with minor seasonal variations. Palm trees and other tropical plants and fruits are a fairly common sight in Sicily all year round.

Among the several benefits of this climate, one stands out: in Sicily, grapes can grow without being imperiled by mildew, rot, or any other disease brought by too much humidity. Sicilian grapes are generally speaking naturally healthy, hence the substantial number of certified organic or biodynamic wineries.

The Red Wines of Sicily

The most widely planted red grape varietal in Sicily is Nero d Avola, which accounts for about 20% of the total regional wine production. Frappato is another prominent red varietal, used to make the only DOCG wine in Sicily, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG.

Less common but typical of Sicily are Alicante, similar to Grenache, Nocera, and Perrone, often blended with Nero d Avola. On the slopes of the active volcano Mount Etna, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio are key red grape varietals in the popular Etna DOC appellation.

The White Wines of Sicily

Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria are perhaps the most famous Sicilian white wines, although their popularity has been waning over the years in favor of dry and refreshing white wines made from native varietals Inzolia and Grillo are fairly easy to find in the United States and generally very good.

In a similar way to Umbria, the Central Italian region known for the red tannic wine Sagrantino di Montefalco, Chardonnay has found its place also in Sicily. Chardonnay from Sicily can vary in quality depending on the producer.

On Primal Wine we sell one of the few 100% Chardonnay vinified with extended skin contact in the style of an Orange Wine made by the excellent Marabino winery from organically farmed grapes.

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