2022 Tenuta di Castellaro Bianco Porticello

60% Carricante and 40% Moscato Bianco, all organically farmed with the alberello technique (free standing “little tree”) on the island of Lipari. Dry farmed, high elevation, sandy volcanic soils. Lipari is a volcanic island in the Aeolian archipelago a few hours off the coast of mainland Sicily, known mostly for its tiny production of sweet passito wines made from dried Malvasia delle Lipari grapes. The Moscato fermented in steel and the Carricante in neutral oak on the lees for three months. Minimal sulphur additions at bottling only. 12.5% alcohol.

A blend of floral, aromatic Moscato with tangy, grapefruit-driven Carricante that smells like honey and flowers, but on the bone-dry palate you get chalky minerality, sea spray and nectarines. Super refreshing and delicious, it’s a day drinker, a poolside wine, a wine for seafood or pasta and friends.

Located on the island of Lipari off the Northern coast of Sicily, the Tenuta di Castellaro estate and winery was founded in 2005 with the goal of relaunching the winemaking traditions of these volcanic lands. Time has preserved this unique island landscape with extreme care, and Tenuta di Castellaro safeguards vast agricultural and natural areas which surround its vines with a radical environmentally sustainable commitment in both its viticultural and winemaking practices tot enhance the beauty of their site. With strictly narrow albarello vine management there is no possibility for any mechanization in the vineyards. In the cellar, which is subterranean and zero impact, during the day the solar chimneys give enough lighting that there’s no need to turn on the electricity. A tower of the winds exploits the strong winds and a thermo-labyrinth keeps the temperature constant all the time. The wine is racked by gravity as the cellar has been built on three levels.

90 points, Wine Enthusiast. "The light nose features aromas of quince paste, lemongrass, and lychee. Those notes all continue onto the airy palate, which also draws a surprisingly pleasant soapiness from undertones of jasmine and citrus blossom."