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Rapitala Bianco Sicilia DOC wine — Tenuta Rapitalà winery — Dionysus
WhiteSiciliaDOC

Rapitala Bianco Sicilia DOC

by Tenuta Rapitalà · Sicily, Italy

AppellationSiciliaDOC
TypeWhite
GrapesCatarratto, Chardonnay
Alcohol13.0%
SweetnessDry
ColourWhite
Colour depthLight
BodyMedium-bodied
Serve at6–8 °C
Bottled in0.75 l
Tenuta RapitalàSicily, Italy

About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

The vineyards are situated at 300–550 metres above sea level on clay and sandy soils. Chardonnay ripens in early August, while Catarratto ripens in mid-September.

Vinification

The varieties are vinified separately using the same method. After crushing, the grapes are chilled and gently pressed. The must undergoes cold settling, followed by fermentation at a controlled temperature. Part of the Chardonnay ferments in French oak barrels.

Ageing

The wine ages in stainless-steel tanks.

Label / history

The wine was previously released as “Rapitala” Catarratto-Chardonnay. The estate’s name translates from Arabic as “river of Allah.” Tenuta Rapitalà was founded in 1971 by Count Bernard Hugonis de Gatinais, who rebuilt its cellars and winery after they were almost completely destroyed in the Belice Valley earthquake.