Bianca di Valguarnera

Vineyard and terroir

Bianca di Valguarnera comes from 3.43 ha at Tenuta Risignolo in the Calatafimi and Salemi area of western Sicily. The hilly vineyard lies at 270 m a.s.l. on clayey, moderately calcareous soil with a sub-alkaline reaction. Rows run east–west and the vineyard faces east. Planted in 1988, it has an average density of 5,758 vines/ha and yields approximately 40–50 q/ha. The vines are espalier-trained and spur-pruned to cordon, with four spurs and two buds per spur.

Grapes

Insolia.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand into approximately 4 kg crates and carried to the cellar in a refrigerated lorry. After destemming, gentle pressing produces the free-run must. Following static settling, fermentation begins at a controlled 16–18°C. When the must reaches approximately 3% alcohol, it is transferred to fine-grained, lightly toasted oak barriques to complete fermentation.

Ageing

After alcoholic fermentation in oak, the wine remains for several months in barriques on lysed yeasts. It then ages in bottle for at least six months before release.

Technical data

2021: total acidity 5.7 g/L and pH 3.21. The wine page gives 13.5% vol., while the technical sheet gives 13.0% vol. Format: 75 cl. The first vintage was 1987, and the stated ageing potential exceeds 20 years.

Tasting profile

Straw yellow with greenish tinges. Floral aromas dominate, accompanied by tropical fruit, Sicilian citrus and lightly vanilla-toned notes. The palate is rich, broad and velvety, with substantial structure and a pleasantly tangy, savoury character.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 8–10°C. Pair with fish and shellfish starters, fish- and vegetable-based first courses, grilled red tuna and crustaceans.

Vintage notes

The 2021 season was warmer than average. Winter was rainy, while spring and summer were dry. An extremely hot start to summer was followed by cooler weather from early August, supporting the vegetative cycle and allowing excellent grape ripening. The grapes were hand-picked on 30 August 2021.

Label / history

Bianca di Valguarnera was created from the meeting of the native Insolia variety with the slopes of western Sicily. Its first vintage was produced in 1987.