Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Piano Maltese area lies at the heart of Tenuta Rapitalà, amid hills reaching 400 m. The Catarratto comes from high hillsides around the winery, and vineyard yields are strictly limited.
Grapes
The Catarratto is selected from the finest fruit grown on the high hillsides.
Vinification
Each variety is harvested and vinified separately to account for its different ripening time. Grillo reaches full ripeness in mid-August, while Catarratto is picked in late September. For both varieties, the grapes are destemmed and crushed, then the juice and pulp are chilled before gentle pressing. The drained must is cooled and undergoes a slow, continuous fermentation.
Ageing
The wine remains on its lees until February, gaining breadth while retaining freshness.
Tasting profile
The palate has savory and almond notes and a distinctly Sicilian character.
Label / history
The wine takes its name from the Piano Maltese area at the heart of the estate. Tenuta Rapitalà means “river of Allah” in Arabic. The estate was founded in 1971 by Count Bernard Hugonis della Gatine, who rebuilt its cellars and winery after they were almost completely destroyed in the Belice Valley earthquake.
