Nero Oro, Grillo Appassimento 2023
Sicily, Italy, Dry White, Screwcap, 13.0% abv(2024) Appassimento is a process for making wines using dried, or partially dried grapes. Much more common with red wines, from Amarone to Valpolicella Ripasso, the technique used here was to dry some of the grapes on mats, and for others the stem was twisted while still on the vine, so nutrition to the bunch was blocked and grapes began to dry in the heat and sun. A tinge of gold to the moderately deep green colour, this suggests some sweetness on the nose, and indeed the palate teases with a hint of residual sugar giving a candied character rather than overt sweetness. It is charming, full-bodied and packed with juicy flavour in a crowd-pleasing style. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.