Grillo – pronounced gri-low – is to Sicily what Grüner Veltliner is to Austria. It’s the local wine, the one you reach for when you want something that can shine by itself with little obvious winemaking accoutrements, a wine that reflects its origins perfectly, succinctly. Feudo Arancio Grillo falls neatly into that category with the bonus of being brilliant value for money. Grabs you from the first sniff of cut apple, pear, soft garden herb scents of thyme, lemon balm. Mixes the savoury – preserved lemon, saffron, quince paste – and the textural with good depth of citrus-led fruit. There’s a lot to like here including the great price.
92 pts - Kim Brebach (BWU20)From Sicily, made from one of the many local varieties. This one is a major variety in Marsala. Medeline at the Wine Folly says: ‘Think of Grillo as a fuller, funky alternative to Pinot Grigio.’ I’d say somewhere between PG and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s not as aromatic as either, but offers assorted ripe fruits. It’s a lovely, mouth-filling wine to drink anytime. Would go well with vegetarian dishes.
Mark Wilson (verified owner) –
Great flavour and depth of palate.