Award-Winning Grillo: Sicily's Intriguing White Wine
2021 Cristo di Campobello ‘Lalùci’ Grillo DOC
Best Grillo Award - Doctor Wine, 2021; Best Grillo Award - Guida Essenziale ai Vini d'Italia 2023; Best White Wine Award - Vinoway Wine Selection 2023; Silver Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards
94 points, Luca Maroni; 93 points, James Suckling; 92 points, Falstaff
2021 Cristo di Campobello ‘Lalùci’ Grillo DOC
Cristo di Campobello’s multi award-winning Grillo is a stunning rendition of Sicily's signature white wine. With a long-established reputation for cranking out volumes of simple, yet delicious wines, Sicily is now also regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting wine regions, as artisanal winemaking and investment has skyrocketed. Critics and winemakers alike predict Sicily will soon join the ranks of Piedmont and Tuscany as another premium wine hub.
A cross between Catarratto and Zibibbo (also known as Muscat of Alexandria), Grillo was intended to be a richer and more aromatic varietal with which to make Marsala – the island’s celebrated fortified export. Fortunately, in 1990 Grillo’s fate took another turn when famous Marsala producer Marco de Bartoli decided to make a dry white wine with Grillo instead. The potential was immediately evident, due to its aromatic vibrancy, abundant minerality and considerable acid retention.
Grillo thrives in the Sicilian sun and does not become jammy, in the way that some international varieties do. It is sometimes described as a more robust Pinot Grigio, but like Chardonnay, it is a truly versatile grape that can be made into a spectrum of styles. Winemakers are experimenting with different vessels for fermentation, including concrete eggs, stainless steel and oak barrels. Maturation on lees and bâtonnage can also be used to add texture and creaminess.
A perennial star on our wine list, Cristo di Campobello is blessed with an exceptional Sicilian microclimate. Located in the hills south of Campobello di Licata in Agrigento, the chalky limestone terrain, high altitudes, and sea spray from the Mediterranean combine to produce wines of extraordinary character.
The fruit for 'Lalùci' is hand-picked, destemmed and soft-pressed before undergoing fermentation and maturation on fine lees for 4 months. Intense aromas of yellow and white flowers lead to mineral notes and bright citrus fruit, white peach, pear and green apple on the palate. This is an intriguing crisp, dry white that will pair brilliantly with all types of seafood, as well as vegetarian dishes and risottos or pastas with cream or white wine sauces.