Balanubi Zibibbo
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2023
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Sicilian cannoli, aged pecorino cheese, almond cantucci
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily, Cantine Nicosia's Balanubi Zibibbo is a beautiful tribute to the island's rich historical tapestry and Arab heritage. The name Zibibbo itself derives from the Arabic word 'zabīb', meaning raisins, reflecting the ancient practice of drying these intensely aromatic Muscat of Alexandria grapes under the Mediterranean sun. For this sweet liquoroso expression, the grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to capture their signature floral and tropical character. The fermentation of the golden must is carefully halted by the addition of fine wine alcohol, preserving the natural sweetness and capturing a luscious bouquet of orange blossom, candied citrus peel, honey, and dried figs. It is a vibrant liquid postcard of Sicily's warm breezes and historic viticultural legacy.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1898 by Francesco Nicosia on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, Cantine Nicosia has evolved across five generations into an ambassador of Sicilian viticulture. Today steered by Carmelo Nicosia alongside his sons Francesco and Graziano, the estate combines modern winemaking precision with deep regional tradition under the guidance of head enologist Maria Carella. Vineyards span key microclimates across the island, notably the terraced volcanic sands and decomposed lava fields of Monte Gorna near Trecastagni at roughly 700 meters elevation, as well as limestone-rich calcareous soils in Vittoria. Working through certified organic farming and vegan-certified protocols, Nicosia focuses heavily on indigenous Sicilian varieties. Their benchmark white expressions—spanning Generazione Mille898 mono-varietals like Grillo, Insolia, and Catarratto, through to volcanic Etna Bianco and aromatic Balanubi bottlings—are distinguished by mineral tension, saline clarity, and authentic varietal character.
🍇 Grapes
Zibibbo
🍷 ABV
16%