There are more than 20 different varieties of Malvasia – white, red and reddish, the last called gris or pink. In Sicily and its islands, the two varieties Malvasia Bianca Siciliana and Malvasia delle Lipari are the most common. The Malvasia Terre Sicilia Vino Liquoroso IGP of Cantine Pellegrino, which we have tasted, is produced to 100% with Malvasia Bianca. The grapes for the wine originate from vines that grow in the province of Trapani, from sea level up to 300 meters above sea level, on sandy and partly clayey soils.
The producer, Cantine Pellegrino is specialized in the production of Marsala, – about 75% of the annual produced seven million bottles belongs to this category, and therefore the winery has also lot of experience in the production of Vino liquoroso, an alcohol-fortified wine. The harvest of the grapes for the Malvasia Vino Liquoroso takes place mostly in September, sometimes even at the end of August. The grapes are left on the mash for about 10 hours. The already fermented must then is fortified with alcohol. The wine is aged for six months in barrels of acacia wood and another two months in the bottle.
Malvasia Terre Sicilia Vino Liquoroso IGP, Cantine Pellegrino
In the nose intense fruit of apricot, melon, besides very delicate notes of cigar and a hint of Mediterranean herbal spice. Fresh in the mouth, with only very subtle sweetness, which is balanced by the notes of thyme and slightly slightly herbaceous honey very well. The aromas of melon and apricot mix in the neat finish with floral notes, very well integrated alcohol. Good wine with excellent value for money.