IL VINO
The Kheirè Grillo Riserva from the Tenuta Gorghi Tondi winery is made of 100% Grillo grapes grown in vineyards owned by the winery. We are near Mazara del Vallo in the westernmost part of Sicily, a stone’s throw from the sea and the sea breezes. The estate is located within a nature reserve protected by the WWF.
The winery is a family-run winery run by women, and since 2016 all vineyards have been certified organic, which means that all the wines are organic and carry the famous green leaf on the label. Both in the vineyard and in the cellar, there is the utmost respect for nature and its balance.
It is the first and most important winery’s white wine, and is produced with the best selection of Grillo grapes; it is part of the Signature line, the line of the most important wines in the winery’s history.
A small part of the Kheirè Grillo Riserva refines in French oak barriques, the outcome is a structured and long-lived wine, perfect for fish menus. The name Kheirè derives from Greek and is an expression of welcome; it was chosen both to pay homage to the history of Sicily, which in ancient times was part of “Magna Graecia”, and to celebrate the Grillo wine, which has always been a symbol of hospitality in Sicily.
THE WINEMAKING
After the grapes have been harvested, only the selected ones go to the winery for winemaking, which begins with a soft pressing. The must ferments in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. As for the refinement, a small part (about 35%) refines in French oak barriques for at least 8 months, while the rest of the wine refines in steel tanks. After assembly and bottling, the wine rests for another 6 months in the cellar before being released onto the market.
THE TASTING
Straw yellow with greenish reflections; the aroma is intense with hints of citrus that alternate with mineral notes that give way to scents of ginger and yellow peaches to close with puffs of vanilla. Fresh and mineral on the palate, Kheirè Grillo Riserva is an enveloping wine with a persistent finish that slightly recalls sea salt.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Kheirè Grillo Riserva goes well with all fish, including smoked fish and shellfish. Try it with grilled swordfish.