Five Estates

Five Estates

To take advantage of Western Sicily’s mosaic of terroir and microclimate, Pellegrino’s vineyards spread across five distinct estates, each one revelling in its own conditions, perfectly tailored to different grape varieties.

Salinaro, as the name suggests, is a coastal estate benefiting from the cooling, salty air of the Mediterranean. This is where some of Pellegrino’s finest Grillo grows, making mineral, supremely elegant, tangy whites full of sage and lemon balm aromas.

In complete contrast is Rinazzo, translating as ‘harsh desert terrain’. 11 hectares of low lying vineyard which are the hottest in Pellegrino’s stable. Here the soils were formed from an ancient seabed which helps to preserve water during the intensely hot summer months. It is perfectly suited to low yielding Syrah grapes, making wines of enormous concentration and spicy depth.

Kelbi – ‘lush garden’ has 19 ha of vineyard planted at an altitude of 150m, which helps to moderate temperatures, making it perfectly suited to full bodied white wines made from Cataratto.

Gazzarotta –  “brown & productive land” has 90 hectares located further inland, where temperatures scorch the brown clay limestone soils, making it perfect for rich reds made from Nero d’Avola. Three further vineyards tuck alongside that classic Sicilian powerhouse: a small grillo vineyard over 40 years old, an experimental malbec vineyard and a vineyard dedicated to the cultivation of frappato. 

Last, and most idiosyncratic, is their estate on the tiny island of Pantelleria, home to exceptional dry whites and some of Italy’s finest dessert wine, all made from the Zibbibo grape. Much more about that extraordinary island in this module.