IL VINO
The Grillodoro from the Tenuta Gorghi Tondi winery is produced with 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.
This wine is a true rarity, being the only mouldy wine produced on the island. Thanks to the vineyard position, the humidity generated by the sea, the sun and the breeze, the grapes are attacked by the noble mould Botrytis Cinerea, allowing the production of a special wine; the winery decided to call it Grillodoro (golden Grillo) because it is as precious as gold and is produced in very few bottles only in the years in which the noble mould phenomenon occurs.
THE WINEMAKING
The harvest is strictly manual and occurs between October and November in several stages, only in the years in which Botrytis cinerea develops. After soft pressing, the must ferments in small steel fermenters at a controlled temperature. The wine ages in steel tanks on the fine lees for about a year and then in new French oak barriques for at least two years; after assembly and bottling, the wine rests another year in the cellar before being released on the market.
THE TASTING
Golden in colour with golden and amber reflections. The aroma is delicate, with pleasant floral hints of jasmine and orange blossom that alternate with notes of saffron and tropical fruit to close with honey puffs. Fresh on the palate with a good body and an almost perfect correspondence between aromas and flavour. The finish is long and persistent.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Grillodoro goes well with dry pastries, tiramisu and ricotta desserts. Try it with blue cheese.