In episode 202 of The Drinking Hour podcast, host David Kermode is joined by Stefano Girelli of Santa Tresa and Cortese to explore how Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily’s only DOCG, is making a name for itself on the global wine stage.
To start, Kermode and Girelli talk through how the winemaking culture on Sicily has undergone a metamorphosis over the last 20 years, partially driven by organic pioneers like Girelli himself. They then take a look at the two major indigenous grape varieties found in Cerasuolo di Vittoria; Nero d’Avola and Frappato. The pair also discus some of the winemaking techniques Girelli has adopted to help adapt to the challenges presented by these unique grapes.
Girelli later explains how he found himself as one of the major players in Cerasuolo di Vittoria, despite being from Trentino in northern Italy. He shares the story behind his move to Sicily in 2001 after buying Santa Tresa, which later saw him buy the neighbouring vineyard of Cortese but only after spending five years convincing the former owner to sell. Kermode’s guest also explains how other areas of Sicily, such as Etna, differ from Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
Topics in the second half of the episode include the impact of Sicilian cuisine on the island’s winemaking, why making olive oil is more expensive than most people realise and the future of Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
