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Barone Paladino Pinot Grigio 2007
Sicily is one of the most exciting wine regions of Italy and with huge potential.
With a very sunny climate, lots of hilly terrain, poor soils and cool coastal breezes, this island produces delicious, richly fruity wines and could easily be the next 'Australia'.
It also has an interesting stock of grape varieties - from indigenous Zibibbo, Catarratto and Grillo to all the international stars. It has also just realised an affinity with Pinot Grigio, the star of this characterful, crisp wine, currently the world's most popular white grape.
This variety makes a range of styles from the crisp, minerally wines of northern Italy, to the rich, spicy weighty ones of Alsace. The majority of Italy's Pinot production comes from the north, but in Sicily it's fast catching on.
The island's warm, sunblessed climate produces a rich spicy style, yet still with excellent freshness thanks to cooling coastal breezes and the relatively high altitude (400 metres at this estate) of the steeply sloping vineyards. The grapes for the citrussy, minerally-fresh Barone Paladino come from the Taschetta family, who have been growing grapes on the island for three generations.
Only recently have they built a cellar and begun making their own wines too.
The wine is nearly all Pinot Grigio, with just a splash of its cousin Pinot Bianco for its stony, apple character.
Vendor: Laithwaites
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