The Wine
The Malvasia delle Lipari DOC is produced in Salina, the Sicilian island part of the Aeolian Archipelago (ancient Didyme from the Greek “Gemelli”) is so called because it is characterized by the two twin volcanoes that from afar look like a female breast. The grapes used are inzolia and catarratto, both autochthonous vines grown on volcanic soil, rich in pumice stone. This wine represents very well the volcanic wines that are the outcome of a very extreme cultivation.
THE WINEMAKING
After the manual harvest that takes place in mid-September when the grapes are fully ripe, the bunches are left to dry on special trellises in the open air for about 15 days. Pressing and fermentation at controlled temperature in steel tanks follows. After racking, the wine refines the stainless steel tanks for about 18 months and after bottling it rests for another 6 months in the cellar before being placed on the market.
THE TASTING
Bright amber yellow. The aroma is intense with pleasant hints of yellow fruit such as apricot and peach that alternate with notes of dried fruit including dates. It continues with notes of aromatic herbs to close with a sweet puff of nougat and honey. Intense and sweet on the palate, fresh, velvety and very well balanced. With a long and persistent finish.
FOOD PAIRINGS
It goes well with all pastries. Try it with hard cheeses.
The Awards
2017
– Robert Parker: 94/100
– 4 grapes by the guide Bibenda
– 2 glasses by the Gambero Rosso guide
2016
– 3 vines (wine of great stylistic and organoleptic profile) by the Italian Sommelier Association
– Luca Maroni: 93/100