L'Ecru Passito
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release, though exceptional vintages can continue to develop complexity for up to 15 years.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Blue cheese, traditional Sicilian cannoli, apricot fruit tarts
✨ wine.spec_sheet
L'Ecrù is a singular expression of Sicilian sweet winemaking, crafted by Firriato at their Borgo Guarini estate in the wind-swept countryside of Trapani. This passito is defined by a highly specialized and ancient 'infusion' technique. Rather than simply fermenting dried grapes, Firriato's winemakers harvest the Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria) grapes in two phases. The first portion is left to dry naturally under the intense Mediterranean sun on traditional mats (graticci) for several weeks, concentrating the sugars and aromatic compounds. These sun-dried raisins are then carefully destemmed by hand and added to infuse directly into the fermenting must of freshly harvested Zibibbo grapes. This slow, natural release of sweetness and complex aromas creates a wine of extraordinary depth, balancing rich honeyed notes, candied citrus, and dried figs with a vibrant, refreshing acidity that reflects the coastal terroir of western Sicily.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1984 by Salvatore Di Gaetano and Vinzia Novara, Firriato is a pioneering Sicilian winery headquartered in Paceco, Trapani, dedicated to championing the island's diverse microclimates and indigenous grape varieties. Operating across distinct terroirs—ranging from the clay-rich soils of the Trapani countryside to the high-altitude volcanic slopes of Mount Etna and the maritime environment of the island of Favignana—the estate is deeply committed to certified organic viticulture and environmental sustainability. Firriato is highly acclaimed for its expressive, terroir-driven wines, particularly those crafted from Nero d'Avola, Perricone, and Grillo, showcased in signature labels such as the robust Harmonium, the elegant Ribeca, and the historic Santagostino Baglio Soria. Official Address: Via Trapani 113, 91027 Paceco, Trapani, Sicily, Italy. Website: https://firriato.it