Who makes it?

Duca di Castelmonte is a wine brand under the Marsala producer Pellegrino portfolio. They have a wide range of wines as a Sicilian specialist. This is a Lidl special, so I would get in and get it while you can find it. It will be superb for this summer.

The Zibbibo grape has such an interesting history in Sicily although, it is not native to the island despite being grown there since Phoenician times. The grape has been grown in the Mediterranean region for about 5000 years.  Of course, it is better known as Muscat of Alexandria. It survived on Sicily through different eras, even during Arab rule. This was due to its being valued to produce sweet, sweet raisins.

What does it taste like?

Owing to being one of the muscat family, it is no surprise that this is an intensely perfumed, spicy, floral wine.  Aromas of floral, ginger, citrus and peach carry through to the palate, with that stony mineral adding dimension to the palate. So often relegated to producing sweeter wines, it is interesting to see this Muscat as a dry style white wine. Nevertheless, this is not a wine lacking in flavour, yet it has a lovely acid balance and a long finish.

What to drink with it?

A great choice for BBQ chicken marinated with lemon and some intense chilli either with a fresh salad or in a burger. Some Thai spices would also be great.

Cheese

Soft cheeses with pungency, Brie or Camembert.

Quickie review « A dry finishing white with a heady, spicy perfume with mouth filling generosity. It is hard to resist this one»

Country of Origin:  Sicily IGT
Tasting Date: April 2021
Price:  £7.5
Drink: now – 2+ years
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

Love Sicilian wines? Why not try:
La Sabbie dell’Etna Rosso

See Cantine Pellegrino for more information