Grillo, also known as Riddu and Rossese bianco, is a white Italian wine grape variety that withstands high temperatures and is widely used in Sicilian winemaking and, in particular, for making Marsala. Its origins are uncertain, but it may have been introduced into the island of Sicily from Apulia. It was already widely planted in the Province of Trapani by 1897; today it may be grown throughout Sicily and also in the Aeolian Islands.
| Grillo | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
 Grillo grapes on the island of Motya | |
| Color of berry skin | White |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Also called | Riddu, Rossese bianco |
| Origin | Italy |
| VIVC number | 5021 |
The grape also found growing around the commune of Riomaggiore in the province of La Spezia in Liguria, where it is known as Rossese bianco.[1]
Wine regions
editAlthough this grape has had a long association with Marsala, in recent years it has become widely used in a number of DOC wines:
- Monreale (province of Palermo)
- Alcamo (provinces of Palermo and Trapani)
- Contea di Sclafani (provinces of Agrigento and Palermo)
- Delia Nivolelli (province of Trapani).
Although 100% Grillo IGT wines are also produced, blending with Chardonnay, for example, is also common.
References
edit- ^ Robinson, Jancis; Harding, Julia; Vouillamoz, José (2012). Wine Grapes - A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours. Allen Lane. pp. 910–911. ISBN 978-1-846-14446-2.
External links
edit- Sapori e Gusti di Sicilia: Grillo Archived 2006-05-07 at the Wayback Machine (in Italian)
- LaVINIum Guida dei vitigni: Grillo (in Italian)