Mandrarossa Zibibbo Secco 2022

Zibibbo's the grape, Secco means it's dry - but there's more to it than that. Outside Sicily, it's better known as Muscat of Alexandria, one of the most intensely floral and 'grapey' varieties around, which can make it seem sweeter than it really is. Here, though, bright acidity keeps everything beautifully fresh and balanced. Sage, jasmine, and lavender weave through apple and cedar notes on the nose, leading into a crisp, refreshing palate with a long, zesty finish. If you're into floral, aromatic wines, this one's well worth a look - fragrant, vibrant, and seriously enjoyable.

Perfectly perfumed all by itself, also, it's spot on with fragrant, spicy Thai dishes. Try it with a zesty green papaya salad, aromatic Thai basil stir-fry, or a coconut-laced prawn curry - fresh, floral, and beautifully balanced.

Mandrarossa is the flagship brand of Cantine Settesoli, the leading cooperative in southwest Sicily, launched after two decades of soil mapping to match native grapes to their ideal sites. Since 2021 it's had its own dedicated winery, and the focus has shifted more towards single-site wines built around Sicilian varieties like Nero d'Avola, Grillo, Grecanico and dry Zibibbo. Sustainable farming runs through the vineyards, with a growing share now converted to organic, and the winemaking favours a hands-off approach. Their wines show Sicily at its most reliable — good value, and increasingly good quality too.