About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Alastro comes from the Ulmo vineyard in Sambuca di Sicilia, in the province of Agrigento. The vines grow at 200–250 m above sea level in moderately deep to deep, medium-textured soils. Pebbles form a substantial part of the soil structure; the ground is generally calcareous, with darker areas rich in vegetable matter.
The vines are trained on espalier systems and Guyot-pruned. For the 2023 vintage, Grecanico was planted at 3,800–4,545 vines/ha and yielded 100 quintals/ha, while Sauvignon Blanc was planted at 5,050 vines/ha and yielded 80 quintals/ha.
Cultivation follows organic-farming criteria and the SOStain® protocol. Clover, vetch, yellow mustard and spontaneous vegetation are maintained as ground cover to increase organic matter and nitrogen and support soil microfauna. Vineyard protection uses small quantities of sulphur and copper, beneficial insects, mating disruption and natural products including zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. The latest blend published on the wine page is 85% Grecanico and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. The selected 2023 technical sheet records 80% Grecanico and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
Vinification
For the 2023 vintage, the varieties were harvested by hand at different times between 21 August and 25 September and transferred immediately to the Ulmo winery. After crushing and destemming, the refrigerated must remained with all its lees for 4–5 days at 3–5°C. The clear fraction was then racked and fermented for 18–20 days at approximately 14°C in stainless-steel tanks with capacities of 103 and 235 hl. About 10 days after fermentation, the wine was racked again and retained on the finest lees with weekly stirring before bottling.
Ageing
The 2023 wine matured in stainless steel and was bottled in February 2024.
Technical data
The 2023 wine has 12.5% alcohol, total acidity of 6.00 g/L and a pH of 3.35. It was released in a 0.75 L, 410 g “Centopercento Sicilia” bottle made from glass recycled and processed in Sicily. Listed closure options are one-piece natural cork, DIAM® and NORMACORC®. The wine is certified organic and SOStain®.
Tasting profile
The colour is a very pale yellow with green nuances, associated with vitality and longevity. Its particularly aromatic nose combines mountain herbs, yellow flowers, French honeysuckle honey and Williams pear over a citrus foundation, with delicate accents of saffron and flint. The palate is fresh and vibrant yet creamy and silky, finishing with white-peach notes.
Serving and pairing
The balance between savoury and sweet sensations gives Alastro broad gastronomic scope. It can accompany a simple warm seafood salad, spicy Asian dishes with sweet-and-sour sauce, Mediterranean pasta dishes and vegetarian recipes. The 2023 vintage may be enjoyed immediately or cellared for 4–5 years.
Vintage notes
Menfi’s maritime breeze helped control disease pressure in 2023. Heat at the end of July accelerated a harvest that had initially been significantly delayed, ultimately normalising its starting dates and producing a rapid picking season. Yields were approximately 15% lower, accompanied by improved grape quality. The white varieties were aromatic, precise and intense, with Sauvignon Blanc particularly successful.
Label / history
The wine takes its name from a wild flower growing around the winery. This delicately structured Grecanico-based blend has been produced since its first vintage in 1995.