2023 Occhipinti 'SM' Grillo

A contrada is a named rural district whose identity is formed by a combination of geology, altitude, exposure and agricultural history. It is not simply a vineyard name or an official ranking. Occhipinti’s Vini di Contrada are site-specific studies designed to show how individual places shape a grape’s texture, energy and flavour. Santa Margherita extends this idea beyond Frappato, using Grillo to interpret the higher, limestone-rich landscape of the Hyblaean Mountains.

At 490 metres above sea level, Santa Margherita is divided into four distinct parcels. Costa Sud and Costa Nord are rich in gypsum and marine fossils, contributing salinity and complexity. Terrazza and Trefile lie on stony clay-limestone soils, giving the wine greater pulp, acidity and structural breadth. Together, the parcels create a Grillo that combines Mediterranean ripeness with high-altitude freshness.

The wine ferments with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks and 25-hectolitre oval Austrian oak barrels. It then matures for 10 months between concrete and Austrian oak, followed by 4 months in bottle. The wood is used for shape and controlled oxygen exchange rather than overt flavour, preserving the mineral and herbal character of the site.

In the glass, it shows a luminous golden colour. The nose is layered and savoury, with citrus peel, yellow apple, wild herbs, chamomile, almond, sea salt and a subtle smoky-mineral note. The palate is textured and precise, with firm acidity, saline depth and a long, chalky finish.

Santa Margherita is a serious territorial expression of Grillo. Its complexity comes not only from altitude, but from the dialogue between the four parcels: gypsum and fossils provide salinity, while clay and limestone bring fruit, acidity and weight.

100% Organic & Biodynamic.

Grilled king prawns, snapper with lemon and herbs, seared scallops, chicken with preserved lemon, or charred cauliflower.

Serve: 10–12 °C
Drink: 2025–2034