Occhipinti - "SM" Vino de Contrada Grillo Sicilia Bianco 2021 750ml (13% ABV)

rare release from Occhipinti - we only got 6 bottles! each is numbered out of only 6,551 produced

Arianna acquired 2ha of land in 2016 in the contrada of Santa Marghertia and planted Grillo, spread out in 4 blocks at the foot of the Arcibessi mountain. This location is north of Vitorria but significantly higher elevation at 490m. This cool hillside area is surrounded by pine and oak trees and olive groves. Soil is sandy calcareous marl. 

Southern and Northern Coast parcels give the wines salinity and complexity.

The Terrazza and Trefile parcels give flesh and acidity.

including the name of a contrada (a contrada is a small district in the Italian countryside, akin to a commune or small village) is not allowed, so the "SM" is a clever way of sneaking it on the label. Bianco SM was born from Arianna's desire to give life to a white wine capable of enclosing the limestone and landscape of the Ibeli Mountains in a single sip.

Grillo believed to be crossing of Zibibbo and Catarratto.

medium bodied, herbal, citrus peel, ginger, bracing acidity, lemon pith, core of minerality, refreshing & concentrated

region: Sicily, Italy

varietal: Grillo

style: elegant orange

farming/cellar: certified organic, practicing biodynamic, hand harvested, destemmed, ambient yeast fermentation in concrete, 2 days skin contact, matured for one year in 25hl Slavonian oak, unfined, unfiltered, minimal so2

pairing: Spicy Tonnarelli and Clams