Marco De Bartoli Integer Grillo 2018
- Region
- Italy » Sicilia » Sicilia DOC
- Type
- white still, dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2018
- Grapes
- Grillo
- Alcohol
- 13
- Sugar
- 2.1
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
This Grillo comes from a 9 ha vineyard in Western Sicily, Contrada Samperi, Marsala. The average age of vines is over 20 years.
Grapes are gently destemmed and softly pressed to start a spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts. A small part of the batch is fermented in old barrels and macerated for 10 days. The remaining batch ferments in handmade clay amphoras by Tava and goes on macerating for a few months. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are completed in an environment with indirectly controlled temperature.
3400 bottles produced.
Ratings
Consistently great macerated Grillo. Beautiful and sophisticated bouquet: dried medicinal herbs, baked apples, hay, and tropical fruits. Multilayered, almost perfectly balanced. Medium body, medium acidity, good tannin. Long evolving and flavourful aftertaste. Happy to taste it again.
What a beautiful Grillo. Slightly soaked apples, dark caramel, iron rust, menthol, and yeasty notes. With time it opens up slightly, revealing stone fruits and honey. Slightly fizzy at the beginning in a non-disturbing way. Fresh, multilayered and delicious.
About Producer
Marco de Bartoli is a name synonymous with innovation and reverence in Sicilian winemaking, particularly noted for reviving the island's traditional and noble wine, Marsala. Born into a family of esteemed Marsala producers, Marco chose a path less traveled in the late 20th century. He focused on quality and traditional methods at a time when Marsala's reputation was dwindling due to industrial production. His dedication led to the establishment of his winery in the 1970s in the western part of Sicily near the historic town of Marsala.
De Bartoli championed the use of the indigenous Grillo grape, insisting on meticulous vineyard management and reduced yields to produce concentrated, flavorful grapes. His methods included the revival of the solera system and aging in oak barrels, enhancing the complexity and depth of his wines. His commitment wasn't limited to Marsala; he also produced outstanding still wines, notably from the Zibibbo grape in the tiny island of Pantelleria.
The estate, now run by Marco's children, continues his legacy of artisanal production and strict adherence to quality. It's a standard bearer for organic farming in the region, ensuring that each bottle reflects the pure expression of the land and its history.
Marco's influence extends beyond his own vineyards. He is widely credited with inspiring a new generation of Sicilian winemakers dedicated to quality and authenticity. His vision and passion redefined Sicilian wine, establishing a legacy of excellence and innovation that endures in the region's wine industry today. His commitment to tradition, combined with a willingness to innovate, has made Marco de Bartoli's name synonymous with the finest wines of Sicily.