In a former life Gabrio Bini was an eccentric architect in Milan. Now, he’s a an eccentric winemaker in an eccentric place: the tiny volcanic island of Pantelleria. This rugged sliver of land, 15km long, population 7000, is closer to Tunisia than Sicily and is known more for its hot springs and capers than wine. This is a fitting backdrop for Bini, who ferments 100% naturally with no sulphur and in buried clay amphorae. He works with Pantellerian natives pignatello, catarratto, and zibibo, all of which see extended contact with their skins. His wines are wild expressions of this wild place and tend to evolve dramatically in the glass.
As with all our producers, we will be donating part of the proceeds from sales to a non-profit close to our heart. For Gabrio Bini, we have chosen to donate to the Mustard Seed. Please check them out.
Fanino
Pignatello, Catarratto
12.8% abv
Vinification:
The grapes come 5 hectares of volcanic, sandy soils - average age of the vines are ~ 40 years old, following biodynamic practices.
Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, gentle press, spontaneous fermentation in terracotta jars, 3-month maceration on skins in amphora, and aged for 7 months.
Unfined, unfiltered, no SO2.
Tasting notes:
Blood orange, minerals, spice. This wine, and we don’t say it lightly, is one of the most special wines you will have in your life. Blood orange, strawberry, minerals, spice.
sku: 896246 | 6 to a case | 750 ml, glass, cork
Bianco Serragghia
Zibbibo
12.8% abv
Vinification:
The grapes come 5 hectares of volcanic, sandy soils - average age of the vines are ~ 60 years old, following biodynamic practices.
Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, gentle press, maceration on skins, 20 day spontaneous fermentation in buried terracotta jars and aged for 3 months.
Unfined, unfiltered, no SO2.
Tasting notes:
A wine that draws you in with lifted aromas of citrus and sea breeze, the palate is wonderfully streamlined, with neat tannins framing complex notes of pith, zest and brine. As invigorating as it gets, this makes for an unforgettable aperitif.
sku: 894751 | 12 to a case | 750 ml, glass, cage over cork with foil
Heritage
Zibbibo
12.5% abv
Vinification:
The grapes come 5 hectares of volcanic, sandy soils - average age of the vines are ~ 100 years old, following biodynamic practices.
Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, gentle press, maceration on skins, 20 day spontaneous fermentation in buried terracotta jars and aged for 3 months.
Unfined, unfiltered, no SO2.
Tasting notes:
Wows with tea-like tannins, complex notes of orange, blossom, minerals and bitter herbs and a long, salty finish. This is a wine with a remarkable sense of place.
sku: 894753 | 12 to a case | 750 ml, glass, cage over cork with foil
ONDA
Syrah
12.5 % abv
Vinification:
The grapes come 5 hectares of volcanic, sandy soils - average age of the vines are ~ 40 years old, following biodynamic practices. Syrah is very rare to find on the island of Pantelleria.
Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, gentle press, maceration on skins, destemmed, gentle press, spontaneous fermentation in amphora with ambient yeasts and aged for 7 months in amphora.
Unfined, unfiltered, no SO2.
This wine (Onda) is named after his dog!
Tasting notes:
Silky spice, as well as volcanic minerality and herbs.
sku: 840918 | 6 to a case | 750 ml, glass, crown cap