Serragghia bianco Zibibbo 2023

Serragghia Bianco comes from Gabrio Bini's Azienda Agricola Serragghia on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, off the south-west coast of Sicily. The Zibibbo, the local name for Moscatel de Alejandría, grows on old vines rooted in the island's volcanic tuff soils, where wind and heat concentrate the fruit and the porous ground lends a saline, mineral character. The clusters are hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts, then left to macerate on their skins for three months in 220-litre terracotta amphoras buried in the tuff. The clay and extended skin contact draw out phenolics and tannin from the grape skins, while the porous amphora allows slow, gentle oxygen exchange, building the wine's savoury, oxidative profile rather than fresh primary fruit. It is bottled unclarified, unfined and unfiltered with nothing added. The colour is deep amber. The nose carries dried apricot, orange peel, chamomile and dried herbs, with an earthy undertone. The palate is dry and textured, with gentle skin grip, a saline edge and apricot fruit through a long savoury finish. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a broad glass.