AGRICOLA GILÌ
ITALY | MARSALA, SICILY
In the heart of Sicily’s sun-drenched south-western coast, a young couple is breathing new life into the age-old tradition of winemaking. Ermanno and Alice, passionate about both the land and the environment, embarked on a journey in 2022 to create something truly special: natural wine that reflects the essence of their surrounding terroir. Situated in the charming village of Torretta Granitola in Trapani, their vineyards are not just cultivated, but cherished. Surrounded by the stunning Naturale Reserve of Gorghi Tondi, their land is not merely a vineyard but an integral part of a diverse and thriving ecosystem.
Their winemaking philosophy is rooted in respect for nature, with a commitment to producing wine that is as pure as it is expressive. In their vineyards, the forces of the sun, wind, and sea set the rhythm of life. Working with native Sicilian grape varieties like Grillo and Catarratto, Ermanno and Alice ensure that every vine is nurtured in harmony with the land. They avoid synthetic chemicals and limit the disturbance to the soil, allowing it to maintain its fertility and biodiversity for generations to come. Their approach is a return to the basics of viticulture, embracing the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In a world where industrial agriculture often dominates, the duo's natural winemaking stands as a bold statement. Their wines are more than just beverages; they are a direct reflection of the history, climate, and people of the region. By staying true to the ancient traditions of Sicilian viticulture while embracing modern ecological practices, Ermanno and Alice are crafting wines that tell the story of their land. For them, it’s about more than producing wine—it’s about protecting the heritage and biodiversity of the unique Sicilian landscape they call home. Every bottle is an invitation to taste the soul of a place where nature and human creativity intertwine.
Bright, energetic and effortlessly drinkable, Bislacco captures Catarratto at its purest. Bursting with juicy lemon, crisp pear and white peach, it combines vibrant acidity with a beautifully rounded texture. The staggered harvest brings both freshness and depth, while a delicate chalky minerality from the limestone soils carries through to a long, clean finish. Refreshing yet quietly complex, this is a wonderfully expressive Sicilian white that overdelivers in every glass.
Winemaker | Ermanno and Alice
Region | Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Variety | Catarratto
Style | White
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Limestone with sandy topsoil
Altitude | 60 m
Age of the vines | 30 years
Vinification
The Catarratto was hand-harvested in two separate passes through the vineyard. The first pick preserved vibrant acidity and freshness, while the second captured greater ripeness and concentration. After gentle pressing, the juice fermented naturally in stainless steel, where the wine remained on its fine lees until bottling. No oak was used, allowing the purity of the fruit and the distinctive character of Catarratto to shine through with precision and energy.
Bright, saline and wonderfully textural, this Grillo captures the essence of Sicily's Mediterranean coastline. Waves of preserved lemon, grapefruit and crisp green apple are layered with white peach, wild herbs and a subtle savoury note from the partial skin contact. Seven months in large oak casks bring gentle breadth and harmony without overshadowing the wine's freshness. The finish is long, vibrant and distinctly mineral, echoing the limestone soils and the sea just a kilometre from the vineyard.
Winemaker | Ermanno and Alice
Region | Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Variety | Grillo
Style | White
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Limestone with red sand and clay topsoil
Altitude | 60 m
Age of the vines | 30 years
Bottles made | 3100 bottles
Vinification
Sourced from the estate's first vineyard, just one kilometre from the Mediterranean, this Grillo reflects its coastal origins with remarkable purity. Half of the fruit underwent one week of skin contact to build texture and complexity, while the remaining grapes were gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. After fermentation, the two components were blended and matured together for seven months in a large neutral oak cask, resulting in a wine that balances vibrant fruit, savoury depth and striking mineral tension.
Powerful yet remarkably refined, Sotto Scacco reveals the true depth of Catarratto. Layers of preserved lemon, ripe orchard fruit and yellow plum unfold alongside toasted almonds, beeswax and subtle baking spice. Fermentation and ageing in seasoned oak tonneaux bring impressive weight and texture without masking the wine's purity, while a vibrant limestone-driven minerality keeps everything focused and effortlessly long. Concentrated, complex and beautifully poised, this is a wine built to evolve gracefully over the coming years.
Winemaker | Ermanno and Alice
Region | Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Variety | Cataratto
Style | White
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Limestone with red sand and clay topsoil
Altitude | 60 m
Age of the vines | 30 years
Bottles made | 670 bottles
Vinification
Sotto Scacco is produced from a small selection of Catarratto, showcasing the remarkable ageing potential of this often-overlooked Sicilian variety. After gentle pressing, the wine ferments spontaneously in regenerated, neutral oak tonneaux, where it continues to mature until March. The seasoned barrels contribute texture, depth and gentle oxygenation while allowing the vineyard and variety to remain centre stage. Bottled unfiltered, only 600 bottles are produced each vintage, making this a rare and distinctive expression of Catarratto.
Explosively aromatic yet beautifully balanced, N°5 is a wonderfully vibrant expression of Moscato Bianco. Fragrant notes of orange blossom, jasmine and ripe apricot leap from the glass, while juicy citrus, peach and a hint of fresh herbs bring energy and precision to the palate. The partial skin contact adds a gentle grip and extra dimension, preventing the wine from becoming overtly floral. Fresh, textured and irresistibly drinkable, it perfectly balances perfume with refreshing minerality.
Winemaker | Ermanno and Alice
Region | Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Variety | 90% Moscato Bianco, 10% Grillo
Style | Orange
Viticulture | Organic
Soil | Clay-rich soils
Altitude | 60 m
Age of the vines | Young vines
Vinification
Hand-harvested grapes were split into two separate vinifications. Half underwent 12 days of skin maceration to build texture and aromatic complexity, while the remaining fruit was gently pressed immediately to retain purity and freshness. Both components fermented naturally before being blended and aged in stainless steel until bottling, preserving the wine's vibrant fruit, lifted aromatics and easy-drinking character.