2021 Grolleau “Franc de Pied”Bernard Baudry
France | Loire
$36
Producers
“Nsajàr” means “to try something new” in the local dialect, and this wine is the epitome of creating something new from something old. Massimo decided to resurrect three nearly extinct Sicilian grape varieties, Cutrera, Rucignola, and Recunu, which he felt would be well suited to the warming climate thanks to their high natural acidity. The 2019 represents the first vintage released of this exciting project and the results are more than promising. Massimo believes this to be the only bottling of these three grapes in the world.
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Eloro
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.
While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.
Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily | Etna Rosso
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily | Etna Rosso
Portelli Italy | Sicily | Vittoria Frappato
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Great winemakers, great terroirs, there is never any hurry. And I no longer buy into this idea of “peak” maturity. Great winemakers, great terroirs, their wines offer different pleasures at different ages.
Inspiring Thirst, page 312
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