Vitese Syrah, Colomba Bianca, Terre Siciliane, Sicily IGP

Tasting Note

Abundant notes of ripe red berried fruits and blackberries are complemented by delicate violet aromas. Structured and full bodied with supple tannins, the enveloping and penetrating red berry flavours continue through to the long, aromatic finish.

Producer Note

Established in 1970, Colomba Bianca is the largest Sicilian grower cooperative and the biggest Italian producer of organic wine, with more than 1,800 hectares dedicated to organically farmed vines. Colomba Bianca also has a further 7,500 hectares of vineyard, growing indigenous and international varieties. Despite their size, they engage a philosophy of micro-viticulture and micro-winemaking to ensure the ultimate precision, quality and expression of terroir. The stunning range of single variety and innovative blends are tailor made under the watchful eye of head winemaker Mattia Filippi. Dynamic and passionate, the Cantine is constantly evolving with investments in the vineyards and in the technology of their five specialist wineries. With their sights firmly fixed on the future of Sicilian wine, Colomba Bianca is rapidly becoming one of the leading names in organic winemaking in Italy.

Vineyard

In these sun-drenched vineyards, the highest standards are attained through the use of innovative technology and the careful process of mapping the terroir according to the weather patterns, harvesting time, soils and vine age. The grapes undergo a sensory analysis and are hand harvested at the optimum maturity levels, according to the terroir and microclimate of the vineyard. They are then harvested into 20kg containers, to prevent the grapes from being prematurely crushed. The vineyards are made up of distinct soil and climate conditions and range from sea level up to 700 metres above sea level, imparting subtle complexity into the wine.

Winemaking

The harvest took place by hand and the grapes were delicately de-stemmed. The grapes were macerated at low temperatures on the skins to extract colour and soft tannins. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures the wine then went through malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in stainless steel for eight months in order to preserve the purity of fruit.

Serving Suggestion

Delicious with roasted meats or cold cuts. Works well with a cheese platter.

Grape

Syrah 100%