Baglio Gibellina, U. Passimiento, DOC Sicily, Italy (150cl.), 2022

Producer Profile

The ancient and largely unchanged land of Sicily is truly reflected in the wines of Baglio Gibellina.

‘Baglio’ refers to the property’s original internal courtyard, surrounded by a series of old warehouses that were once used for the collection and processing of grapes. Dominating its valley location, the property is flanked by the hills of Salemi and Santa Ninfa in a landscape marked by rolling vineyards punctuated by clusters of broom and prickly pear. The old vines are planted between 300 and 600m above sea level on a mixture of clay and volcanic soils, resulting in wines that encapsulate ancient family traditions, with authenticity, immense charm and an easy drinking appeal.

Viticulture

The selected old vineyards are located on hills at 300 to 600 meters above sea level. The vines are grown using the Guyot training system on clay soils with limited yields of grapes per hectare.

Winemaking

The Frappato grapes are harvested as soon as they reach maturation, and so that all the typical freshness remains in the must is fermented slowly in small steel tanks. The Nero d’Avola grapes are left on the vines for a light withering and for natural dehydration to occur. They are late harvested and with extreme care placed in wooden cases. After a soft pressing the musts are fermented at a controlled temperature. The two musts evolve according to their typical features and then are slowly blended. The natural sweetness of the wines is obtained by interrupting the fermentation through the “cold” process. The wine is then matured for some months in steel tanks.

Tasting Note

Bright intense red fruit on the nose displaying lots of red berries. The palate is warm and full-bodied with harmonious acidity and smooth and elegant tannins.

Food Matching

Pasta and mild cheeses