From: Sicily, Italy
Varietal: Grillo
Tasting Notes: Bright and drinkable, with hints of grilled nectarine baptized by a salty beach sea breeze. In the glass, you'll find fresh aromas of citrus, white flower, yellow orchard fruit, and nectarine. The palate shines and shows off notes of lemon zest, mango, sage, and mineral salinity alongside vibrant acidity.
Pairing: This 100% Grillo wine, with its hints of grilled nectarine and saline freshness, pairs exquisitely with Mediterranean dishes (check out the recipe below). Its vibrant acidity and citrus notes beautifully complement light, healthy foods—especially seafood like Mazara del Vallo's famed shrimp. The wine's nuanced flavors also resonate with dishes featuring lemon zest, mango, and sage. Whether alongside a seafood pasta, grilled fish, or a citrusy salad, this Grillo promises to elevate the experience.
Frutti di Mare Rice Salad
By David Tanis
About. In the heart of Italy's sun-drenched island of Sicily, where winemaking traditions span a staggering 4,000 years, there lies a hidden gem—Tenuta di Gorghi Tondi. This estate, set in the commune of Mazara del Vallo just south of Marsala, is nurtured by the meticulous hands of two sisters, Clara and Anna Maria Sala. The tranquil embrace of a bird sanctuary surrounds their 115-hectare organic farm.
The property was split from the old Cantine Pellegrino and is now a fourth-generation, women-owned winery. Honoring their legacy, the sisters cultivate only native grapes, such as Zibibbo, Nero d'Avola, Catarratto, Frappato, and Nerello Mascalese. And among these indigenous varieties, Grillo has a vibrant history, once serving as the foundation for the internationally recognized Marsala wine. Julius Caesar had a predilection for Grillo's sweetness, reminiscent of Messina's acclaimed 'Mamertino' wine.
The 2022 Mary Taylor, Sicilia Bianco Clara Sala shows off the best of Grillo's heritage. Harvested from a single-hectare parcel, "Contrada San Nicola," which lies on a sandy limestone slope kissing the sea, this 100% Grillo varietal wine absorbs the saline whispers of the adjacent Mediterranean—no wonder this wine delights with its characteristic minerality, harmoniously married to zesty citrus undertones.
Mary Taylor's collaboration with Tenuta di Gorghi Tondi blossomed through a fortuitous introduction by mutual acquaintances. Together, they recognized the incredible potential of Grillo grapes, especially from the prized Contrada San Nicola vineyard. The maritime breezes and ambient saltiness that envelop this region infuse the wine with unparalleled minerality and fresh citrus notes, making it an epitome of Sicilian terroir.
The dedication to organic principles is evident in every step of the production process. From vine tending to winemaking, every task is carried out by hand, ensuring the utmost care and quality. After harvest, usually around mid-August, they (the grapes) are gently pressed and allowed a brief maceration with their skins. Subsequently, these grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aging on the lees, and further bottle maturation, resulting in an earnest Grillo wine of depth and character.
