The best white wines of the islands

Italy has the great fortune of being able to boast in each of its regions an extraordinary ampelographic wealth and a historical heritage in the field of viticulture unique in the world. Our islands are no exception to this widespread diffusion of the vine. We are not talking about Sicily and Sardinia, but about the small archipelagos that dot our coasts and which give rise to particular wines and strongly characterized by the specific characteristics of these small rocks, surrounded by the Mediterranean sea. The warm, dry and breezy climate is always mitigated by sea breezes, which contribute to creating a very particular microclimate, with good temperature fluctuations between day and night temperatures. The particular geological nature of the islands, often of volcanic origin or in any case with a peculiar composition of the land, gives these wines strongly territorial connotations. Furthermore, due to their remote geographic nature and far from easy contamination, the small islands have preserved native vines or particular clones of more widespread varieties, with a unique and typical character. From the Island of Elba to Giglio , from Ponza to Ischia , from the Aeolian Islands to the Egadi , to Pantelleria there are many wines to discover.

Lazio IGT White Ponza Hay from Antiche Cantine Migliaccio

The ancient forastera and biancolella varieties are grown on the tuffaceous soils of ancient volcanic origin on the island of Ponza. The two native vines give life to a white that recalls floral and Mediterranean scrub aromas, fresh aromas of citrus fruits, white fruit, iodine and salty hints.

Salina Bianco Doc Hauner

In the splendid natural scenery of the island of Salina, Carlo Hauner cultivates insolia and cararratto, two Sicilian vines with which he produces a sunny and Mediterranean white, with aromas of aromatic herbs, citrus fruits and white fruit. The sip is savory and of lively mineral freshness.

Terre Siciliane IGT Zibibbo Pietranera by Marco De Bartoli

In the northern area of Pantelleria, De Bartoli cultivates the zibibbo or muscat grape of Alexandria as a tree, on stony soils of volcanic origin. Pietranera is an aromatic, sapid and mineral white, of great finesse and elegance.

Passito di Pantelleria DOC Ben Rye Donnafugata

It is one of the most awarded Italian wines and most loved by enthusiasts for its persuasive elegance. The bouquet is intense and seductive, with soft aromas of candied citrus peel, dehydrated apricot, dried fruit and honey, well balanced by lively freshness.

Passito di Pantelleria DOC Bukkuram Sole d'Agosto by Marco De Bartoli

Also from the island of Pantelleria comes another great passito produced with Moscato d'Alessandria. The aromatic profile is marine and oriental, with iodine, brackish, ginger, candied citrus fruit peel, officinal herbs and spices.