Fabrizio Vella, Bianco Biologico

PRODUCER PROFILE

Fabrizio Vella is a passionate winemaker living and working in Sicily.

Proud of the island he calls home, his desire was to create a range of wines both personal to him and reflective of his homeland. Working with the indigenous varieties of Cattaratto and Nero d’Avola, and adopting an organic approach to winemaking, he has conjured four wines that are fresh, exciting, moreish and true to their origins – Sicilian wines through and through.

VITICULTURE

Harvested by hand, the yields are naturally restricted by the winds and climatic conditions on the island and average around 80 quintal per hectare. The vineyard sites are situated at an altitude of 350-450m, ensuring cooler night time temperatures which preserve crucial acidity in the grapes. Wines tend to be harvested earlier than many of their neighbours and consequently they are bright and fresh with clean fruit flavours.

WINEMAKING

The first pressing is fermented in 50hl acacia wooden barrels. Soft pressed again, with a second fermentation in stainless steel for 14 days where malolactic fermentation takes places.

TASTING NOTE

This natural wine has a complex nose of citrus fruit, lemon zest and citrus blossoms along with hint of tropical fruits, herbs and sweet spices. Fresh, crisp and lovely minerality on the finish.

FOOD MATCHING

Chickpea soup, Sicilian pasta aciutta.