Sallier de la Tour Grillo

Visual Appeal:

Upon first glance, Sallier de la Tour Grillo captivates the eye with its vibrant golden color, reminiscent of the sun-kissed vineyards of Monreale where the Grillo grape, the heart of this wine, thrives. Shimmering green reflections dance within the glass, hinting at the refreshing and lively nature of this Sicilian masterpiece.

Aromatic Symphony:

As you approach the glass, a captivating symphony of aromas fills the air, transporting you to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. Fresh citrus notes, reminiscent of ripe lemon and grapefruit, intertwine with the sweetness of ripe pear and white peach, creating a harmonious blend of tropical and citrusy delights. A hint of sage and almond adds a touch of complexity, hinting at the wine's elegant structure.

Palate Delight:

The first sip of Sallier de la Tour Grillo unveils a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate. A refreshing acidity, reminiscent of the Mediterranean breeze, awakens the senses, while vibrant fruit flavors burst forth, showcasing the essence of Sicily in every drop. Ripe citrus notes, including lemon and grapefruit, mingle with the sweetness of pear and white peach, creating a delightful contrast. A delicate touch of honey and a hint of almond add a touch of complexity, while a subtle salinity balances the sweetness, leaving a lingering finish that lingers long after the last sip.

The creation of Sallier de la Tour Grillo is a meticulous process that begins in the sun-kissed vineyards of Monreale, a region renowned for its exceptional terroir. Here, the Grillo grape, the heart of this Sicilian masterpiece, flourishes under the watchful gaze of the ancient Mount Etna.

The Vineyards:

The Grillo grapes for Sallier de la Tour are meticulously hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that only the finest fruit finds its way into the winemaking process. These grapes are grown in a unique soil composition, a blend of sandy, limestone-rich soils, and volcanic ash, which imparts a unique minerality and depth of flavor to the wine.

The Harvest:

Harvesting takes place during the early hours of the morning, when the grapes are at their coolest and most flavorful. The grapes are gently transported to the winery, where they are immediately processed to prevent oxidation and preserve their freshness.

Vinification:

Upon arrival at the winery, the carefully selected Grillo grapes are subject to a cold maceration process, where they are gently crushed and allowed to soak in their own juices for a short period. This process allows the grapes to release their aromatic compounds and develop their unique flavor profile.

Fermentation:

Following the maceration period, the juices are transferred to stainless steel tanks, where they undergo fermentation at a controlled temperature. This process converts the grape sugars into alcohol, creating the basis for the wine's structure and body.

Malolactic Fermentation:

After primary fermentation, the wine undergoes a secondary process called malolactic fermentation. In this process, lactic acid bacteria convert the harsh malic acid into softer lactic acid, rounding out the wine's acidity and adding a creamy texture.

Maturation:

The completed wine is then transferred to stainless steel tanks or large oak barrels, where it undergoes a period of maturation, typically for 4-6 months. During this time, the wine continues to develop its complexity and structure, while the oak imparts subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and complexity.

Elevage:

Prior to bottling, the wine undergoes a process called elevage, which involves blending and fine-tuning the wine to achieve the desired balance and elegance. This process is crucial in ensuring that Sallier de la Tour Grillo reflects the authentic flavors of Sicily and the exceptional qualities of the Grillo grape.

Bottling:

The final step in the elaboration of Sallier de la Tour Grillo is bottling. The wine is carefully transferred to glass bottles, where it will undergo final aging before being released to the market. The selection of the bottle and closure is carefully considered to ensure that the wine remains protected and retains its freshness over time.

Sallier de la Tour Grillo has garnered numerous accolades from renowned wine critics, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional white wine from Sicily. Here's a glimpse into the critical acclaim it has received:

• James Suckling: This 2021 vintage received a remarkable score of 90 points from James Suckling, a renowned wine critic. He praised its "crisp and refreshing acidity," "tropical fruit notes," and "balanced finish."

• Wine Spectator: The 2020 vintage of Sallier de la Tour Grillo earned an impressive 88 points from Wine Spectator, a prestigious wine publication. They described it as "a well-made Grillo," noting its "bright citrus and apple flavors" and "pleasantly crisp finish."

• Decanter: Decanter, another respected wine magazine, awarded the 2019 vintage of Sallier de la Tour Grillo 87 points. They commended its "fresh and energetic" nature, highlighting its "tropical fruit aromas" and "balanced acidity."

These accolades demonstrate that Sallier de la Tour Grillo is a wine that has earned the recognition of leading wine critics. Its consistently high scores and positive reviews speak volumes about its quality and appeal.