Santa Tresa Rina Ianca Grillo Viognier Sicilia DOC 2021

Rina Ianca is the most awarded Santa Tresa wine in international competitions, proving that Sicily, known as a land of red wines, produces great white wines.

“Rina Ianca” in Sicilian dialect means “white sand.”

Grapes: 70% Grillo 30% Viognier.
Harvest: Grillo and Viognier are picked by hand in 15-kg crates. Viognier towards the end of August while Grillo towards the first half of September.
Vinification: both varieties carry out similar vinification with each other. The harvested grapes stay in cold storage overnight so as to lower the temperature to 6-8°C, protecting the aromatic precursors contained in the grapes. The following day, the grapes are gently destemmed and softly pressed so as to obtain the flower must. The must stays overnight in the tank at around 10°C in order to allow the natural sedimentation of all the solid particles it contains, after which alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at a temperature between 17-19°C for 10-12 days.
Aging: after fermentation, the two varieties are brought together for aging sur lies for about 4 months with frequent handling of the noble lees.
Tasting notes: the Blend combines Grillo, a native Sicilian variety par excellence, with Viognier, a French grape variety that has found ideal climatic conditions in Santa Tresa. The minerality and freshness of Grillo combine with the intensity and depth of Viognier. The wine is straw yellow in color with green hues, and the nose is dominated by notes of white fruits such as peach that gradually turn to more acidic apricot tones to the point of recalling citrus. The palate is dominated by savoriness and width always balanced by excellent acidity, the finish is sweet with a nectarine aftertaste.
At table: Rina Ianca goes well with fish and shellfish appetizers, first courses with fish and vegetable dressings, and fish and shellfish main courses. Also excellent with cured meats. Serving temperature between 10°-12° C