L'Ecru Passito
⏳ Drinking Window
2024 - 2030
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Blue cheese, traditional Sicilian cannoli, apricot fruit tarts
✨ Technical Specifications
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.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1984 by Salvatore Di Gaetano and his wife Vinizia Novara, Firriato is one of Sicily's premier wine producers, widely acclaimed for championing the island's viticultural renaissance. The estate spans remarkably diverse terroirs across Sicily, ranging from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Trapani countryside and the maritime climate of the island of Favignana to the high-altitude volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Deeply committed to certified organic farming and sustainability, Firriato focuses on preserving authentic biodiversity by cultivating native Sicilian varieties such as Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Grillo, alongside select international grapes. Their dynamic portfolio captures the distinct character of each microclimate through celebrated flagship wines like Harmonium, Ribeca, and the Etna-sourced Cavanera collection.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Zibibbo
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
13.5-14%