Catarratto 'Lustro' Abbazia San Giorgio 2021

The island of Pantelleria gives us Lustro, a macerated white wine made from Catarratto grapes from the small and very young winery Abbazia San Giorgio. The aim of Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana, partners who launched this reality of only 3.5 hectares in 2016, is to let the unique and precious terroir of one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and in the world speak. The production method is organic, complemented by biodynamic practices, while the interventions in the cellar are minimal and aim only to enjoy and enhance what this extraordinary territory has to offer.

Terre Siciliane IGT Lustro is made from pure Catarratto grapes from a plot of only one and a half hectares, characterised by alluvial soils with a volcanic matrix. No synthetic chemicals are used in the vineyard, and the harvest is manual, with careful selection in the field. The grapes are destemmed and pressed in the winery, followed by spontaneous alcoholic fermentation. Maceration on the skins lasts about 20 days, and the 4-month ageing takes place in steel silos. The wine is neither corrected nor filtered and rests in the bottle for at least 60 days before being released.

In the glass, Abbazia San Giorgio's Catarratto Lustro shows an intense golden yellow, slightly cloudy, tending towards orange. The aromas are those of Pantelleria, with notes of apricots, dried fruits, orange peel and aromatic herbs, supported by sea breezes. The palate shows the sun, accompanied by directness and meatiness of flavour, as well as fine tannins and a concise taste. A fine wine with a precise identity that reflects the aromas and flavours of the island and should therefore be tasted with the local couscous of Pantelleria.