Barraco Terre Siciliane Catarratto 2023

Nino Barraco founded his project near Trapani on the western coast of Sicily in 2004, working organically and by hand with a clear focus on place. This orange wine is made from Catarratto, a native Sicilian white grape, from vineyards lying about 120 metres above sea level close to the sea. The coastal site is key: warm Sicilian sun ripens the fruit while constant sea breezes and the salty maritime air keep the wine fresh and lend a marked salinity, and the low altitude vineyards sit on sandy, calcareous coastal soils. The wine is made with skin contact, the juice macerating on the grape skins to draw out colour, phenolics and a light tannic grip. Rather than wood, it is raised in stainless steel, an inert vessel that preserves freshness, fruit and the saline character without adding oak. Farmed sustainably and made as a natural wine, it shows a bright amber colour. The nose is citrus peel, apricot and white peach over a briny base. The palate is dry and fresh, with dried herbs and a clear salinity, finishing on sea salt and a light grip. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a white wine glass. It pairs well with white fish and shellfish.