2021 Nostru Catarrato Lucido, Azienda Agricola Cortese, Sicilia, Italy, Terre Siciliane IGP

Azienda Agricola Cortese is a family business located in Sicily, which has been dedicated to the production of high quality wines for several generations. With know-how handed down from father to son, the Cortese family has specialised in the production of terroir wines, which reflect the identity and diversity of each grape variety.

The vineyards are cultivated in the traditional way, with particular attention to the quality of the soil and the health of the plants. The estate is entirely organically grown.

Of the three recognised varieties of Catarratto (Comune, Lucido and Extra Lucido), they have chosen the Catarrato Lucido which is delicate and of superior quality. The name comes from the shiny skin of the grapes.

Catarrato grapes are grown on slopes at about 400 metres above sea level. The grapes are hand-picked, de-stemmed and pressed very gently using a pneumatic press. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is racked and stored on fine lees for at least 5 months, with frequent batonnage.