Valcanzjria, Gulf of Sicily, Italy. A surprising and refreshing white wine from southeastern Sicily. Mouth-filling, crisp with a fine salty finish. An exciting blend of Chardonnay and Sicilian Carricante grapes. Everything that makes a good white wine is present. Aromas of blossom and green herbs. Body and fullness on the palate. A lovely crisp, dry finish.

• Serving: 10 °C
• Drink: now until 2027

This white blend, Valcanzjria (pronounced val-can-zi-ria), comes from the Muti vineyard in Chiaramonte Gulfi, the village after which the Gulfi winery is named. The wine is sourced from limestone and sandy soils in southeastern Sicily.

One Gulfi, three different wine regions

Today, the Gulfi estate is run by third-generation vigneron Matteo Catania . The vineyards are located in three main areas: the hilly, calcareous marl vineyards of Chiaramonte Gulfi ; the calcareous, southeastern area of ​​Pachino Val di Noto , the main terroir for Nero d'Avola; and finally, Mount Etna .

In all three of these areas, cooling influences—both from the high altitude of Etna and the refreshing sea breeze in Pachino, situated lower down—cause nighttime temperatures to drop considerably. This tempers the hot summer days and allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving the refreshing acidity of the wine.

Valcanzjria, Gulfi, Sicily, Italy