12 Filari Catarratto DOC Sicilia 2024

Wine description for 12 Filari DOC Monreale Bianco 2024 by Case Alte

Colour & Appearance

Pale, luminous yellow with distinctive green reflections – a visual promise of freshness and youthful vitality.

Nose

This Catarratto is pure Sicilian summer joy in a glass. The nose practically explodes with oranges, grapefruit and citrus fruits, underpinned by fragrant citrus blossom and fresh mint. Maritime notes of shellfish and a delicate sea breeze join in, a hint of anise and the seductive association of freshly toasted ciabatta with salted butter. An aromatic profile that instantly lifts the spirits.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals surprising structure: A fine bitterness and saline minerality give the wine backbone, whilst subtle tannins – unusual for a white wine – provide additional texture. Sage and rosemary come through, spicy and Mediterranean. The citric freshness remains present and lends the wine an invigorating, almost electrifying liveliness.

Finish

Medium length, saline-bitter with lingering herbal notes and a refreshing citrus note that invites you to take the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The vines are rooted at 500 metres altitude on a mixture of clayey and sandy soils in the DOC Monreale. This elevation ensures cool nights and thus the wine’s remarkable freshness, whilst the Sicilian sun provides aromatic ripeness.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Catarratto from vines planted in 2005. Following hand-harvesting and gentle crushing, spontaneous fermentation takes place. The wine matures for six months at 10°C in stainless steel with weekly bâtonnage, which gives it texture and complexity without compromising freshness.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The ideal companion to Mediterranean cuisine: grilled octopus, spaghetti alle vongole, fried squid, sole or simple tomato and basil bruschetta. Also an excellent choice with goat’s cheese and vegetable antipasti.

Special Features

At just 12.5% alcohol, a pleasingly moderate, easy-drinking summer wine that prioritises elegance over power. The combination of spontaneous fermentation, bâtonnage and low maturation temperature creates a fascinating balance between complexity and freshness.