Rallo Azienda Agricola, Al Qasar Zibibbo, DOP Sicily, Italy, 2024

Producer Profile

Certified organic, the Vesco family make fragrant wines that are among the finest in western Sicily, including crisp Catarrattos and fresh, perfumed Nero d’Avolas from their hillside vineyards.

The Cantine Rallo vineyards occupy three sites: Alcamo for Catarratto and Nero d’Avola; Marsala for Grillo; and Pantelleria for the Zibbibo that makes their delicious Passito di Pantelleria. The grapes tend to be picked relatively early in the season, resulting in a customary bright, fresh style of wine.

Viticulture

Chateau de l’Escarelle has 100ha of organically grown and certified vineyards, growing local varietals including: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Caladoc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle & Ugni Blanc. Their HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification level three means their vines benefit from being in a very biodiverse habitat, with minimal use of herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilisers. Their vines also benefit from being planted at an altitude of up to 500m above sea level, lengthening the growing season. The hot dry summers in this Mediterranean climate are offset by the cooling effects of the Mistral wind.

Winemaking

Mechanically-harvested in the early hours of the morning to obtain wine of an attractively pale colour. Grapes are completely destemmed. The approach to winemaking is by the traditional method in stainless steel vats: short period of skin maceration before pressing. Cold temperature settling is the next stage. Fermentation is temperature-controlled and malolactic fermentation avoided to retain those crisp, fresh aromas.

Tasting Note

The ambassador of the range, this is a radiant, pale-pink appearance, a delicate, subtle nose and is fresh and lively on the palate. The fruity aromas of this easy-drinking wine make it perfect for an aperitif or enjoyed with tapas, a tasty pizza or a little charcuterie.

Food matching

Aperitif, tapas, pizza, charcuterie.