Maria Costanza Riserva white

APPELLATION: Sicilia D.O.P. – Bianco 2020
GRAPE VARIETIES: Inzolia, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc

SOIL TYPES: Contrada Milici: marl-derived plateau with a high clay content, strongly calcareous and rich in stones. Contrada Fondirò, Munti area: dark clay soils, highly mineral-rich. Contrada Fondirò, Arena Vecchio area: at the highest point, a limestone outcrop emerges from the hillside, forming a steeply sloping area surrounded by grey loamy-silty soils in the valley.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Trellis system with spurred cordon and Guyot pruning
HARVEST PERIOD: Viognier: first half of August – Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc: second half of August – Inzolia: first half of September.
HARVESTING METHOD: Careful selection of the grape clusters directly in the vineyard, followed by manual harvesting into 14 kg crates.

WINEMAKING: The Viognier and Chardonnay grapes undergo cold maceration, followed by fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. The Sauvignon Blanc and part of the Chardonnay complete fermentation in oak barriques. The Inzolia is fermented in stainless-steel tanks.

MATURATION: 12 months in oak barriques and stainless-steel tanks, with regular bâtonnage. Final bottle aging for at least one year.

A New Expression of Terroir
The story behind this Riserva began with the introduction of two international grape varieties, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, into the winery’s experimental vineyards. These varieties enrich the historic Milazzo blend of Inzolia and Chardonnay, creating a new and distinctive expression of varietal complementarity in Maria Costanza Riserva Bianco.

The winery’s in-depth knowledge of its terroir, together with its experience with both native and international varieties, has led to a new concept of territorial expression. Here, soil and climate shape the wine so profoundly that it becomes an expression of the territory itself, rather than simply of the individual grape varieties.

The Winemaking Approach
Maria Costanza Riserva Bianco builds on the historic partnership between Inzolia and Chardonnay, complemented by Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. From the outset, these international varieties demonstrated distinctive and, in some respects, unexpected expressions of their varietal characteristics in this particular environment.

The use of oak barriques was conceived as a tool to guide the characteristic expressions of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay towards Mediterranean aromatic-herb notes, enhancing the influence of the local climate. Subtle hints of hydrocarbons and flint are the result of the close interaction between vine and soil.

Careful winemaking, including extended maceration of the Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, contributes citrus and tropical fruit notes, perfectly balanced by a floral background. This defines a new concept of aromatic longevity, giving Maria Costanza Riserva Bianco extraordinary complexity and remarkable aging potential.

Tasting Notes
Bright straw yellow in color. The nose is expressive, rich and complex, with pronounced notes of Mediterranean aromatic herbs and yellow flowers, including dandelion, chamomile and wild rocket. Citrus and tropical fruit notes mingle with hints of honey, while subtle tertiary notes of hydrocarbons are beautifully integrated with delicate vanilla nuances.

On the palate, it is warm, full-bodied and structured. Opulent yet pleasantly savory, it shows remarkable persistence for a white wine.

Food Pairings
Excellent with shellfish, tuna and Fassona beef tartare, confit cod, risotto with Taleggio cream, truffle and long-aged prosciutto crudo. It also pairs beautifully with delicate meats and vegetable-based dishes.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Approximately 12°C
ALCOHOL: 13% vol.