CRIANTE
Alcamo
Sicily
The history of this small Azienda Agricola goes back three generations, when nonno Cosimo planted the first vines of Catarratto, a grape symbol of the area and the varietal who is considered to express the terroir of Alcamo at its best.
The farm covers approximately 25 hectares of vines, farmed in accordance to the principles of organics and biodynamics. Olive groves, vegetables and a variety of ancient Sicilian grains are also cultivated across the estate.
Since the very first harvest, the two expressions that have represented Criante are Catarratto and Perricone, to which the Grillo and the Nero d'Avola subsequently followed. The choice to use a number of different, indigenous varietals is because they are each manifestations of their respective and specific districts of origin found across the region.
Terre Siciliane, G23
Vintage 2023
Style White
Region Alcamo, Sicily
Varieties Grillo
ABV 13%
Soils Clay, limestone, sand
Farming Organic, Biodynamic
Winemaking Grillo from a sinle plot named Contrada Modica. Vines are east-facing, grown at 360m of altitude and were planted in 2011. Harvested normally towards the end of August, the grapes a re de-stemmed, crushed and processed is stainless steel tanks. Wines ages on lees for a minimum of 6 months and a small amount of sulphur is only used at bottling.
Tasting Note The nose displays white pear, pineapple, gentle citrus with a lovely herbal lift and a round, layered palate.
Terre Siciliane, Macerato C23M
Vintage 2023
Style Orange
Region Alcamo, Sicily
Varieties Catarratto
ABV 12.5%
Soils Clay, limestone, sand
Farming Organic, Biodynamic
Winemaking Alberello (bush vine) trained Catarratto from their vineyards in Contrada Valle, an older vineyard planted in 1993. Fruit is de-stemmed and macerated on the skins for 8 days, with fermentation carrying on in stainless steel. Aged for 8 months on lees in tank, and bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Tasting Note A savoury orange with notes of chamomile, honey, scrubbed herbs and dried apricots. Textural and spiced, yet finishing fresh and mouthwatering.
Terre Siciliane, P22
Vintage 2022
Style Red
Region Alcamo, Sicily
Varieties Perricone
ABV 12%
Soils Clay, limestone, sand
Farming Organic, Biodynamic
Winemaking From their younger vines planted in 2015 at the bottom of the hill in the Contrada Valle, the same plot for their older Catarratto. Perriocne is de-stemmed and vinified in stainless steel tanks with a fairly short maceration lasting just under two weeks. Pressed gently and aged for 6 months in tank before bottling.
Tasting Note A great, rustic Sicilian red with notes of red plums, black cherry, figs and prunes blended with savoury aromas of tobacco and cedar.