Bat 2022 Abbazia San Giorgio

Bat 2022 – Abbazia San Giorgio

Wine Overview

Bat 2022 from Abbazia San Giorgio is a natural rosé wine made from Nerello Mascalese and Alicante. A short 24-hour skin contact gives the wine its delicate color and intense aromatic profile. The production follows a minimal intervention philosophy, without chemical additions or sulfur, highlighting the volcanic terroir of Pantelleria. Contains naturally occurring sulfites.

History and Philosophy

Founded in 2015 by Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana, Abbazia San Giorgio focuses on enhancing Pantelleria’s native grape varieties. Bat combines two local black grapes – Nerello Mascalese and Alicante – expressing the volcanic mineral soils and traditional pantesco viticulture. The winery prioritizes sustainability and respect for natural cycles in the vineyard.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Bat vineyard covers 1.5 hectares, with Nerello Mascalese trained in alberello pantesco (15 years old) and Alicante in Guyot (20 years old). Density is 4,500 plants/ha, with a yield of approximately 20 q/ha. Volcanic soil, poor in organic matter but rich in micro-elements, promotes balanced growth. Biodynamic-inspired practices, though not certified, ensure a natural approach without synthetic fertilizers or treatments.

Winery Approach

Harvest begins in early October, with hand-picking and grape selection. After destemming and crushing, fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, while maceration lasts about 24 hours to extract color and aromas. Aging takes place 8 months in stainless steel, then in used tonneaux, without added sulfur, filtration, or fining, preserving authenticity.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Color: bright pink with slightly orange reflections.
Nose: red fruits, cherry, strawberry, citrus, and subtle mineral notes.
Palate: fresh, savory, balanced, with persistent minerality and harmonious finish.

Pairs excellently with fatty or stewed fish, braised meats, and boiled dishes. Serve at 14°C.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Abbazia San Giorgio

• Vintage: 2022

• Grapes: Nerello Mascalese and Alicante

• Appellation: IGT Terre di Sicilia

• Vineyard: Pantelleria, Sicily

• Area: 1.5 hectares

• Vine age: 15 years (Nerello Mascalese), 20 years (Alicante)

• Training system: Alberello pantesco and Guyot

• Density: 4,500 plants/ha

• Yield: ~20 q/ha

• Fermentation: spontaneous with native yeasts

• Aging: 8 months stainless steel + used tonneaux

• Sulfites: naturally present

• Alcohol: 12.5%

• Bottle size: 0.75 l

• Serving temperature: 14°C

• Contains sulfites

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Abbazia San Giorgio: Natural Wines from Pantelleria

Winery History

Abbazia San Giorgio was founded in 2016 in Pantelleria by two friends, Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana, who wanted to create a wine that expressed the island’s identity. Their goal was to craft intense, distinctive wines in which the producer’s sensitivity acts as a spokesperson for the territory. The founders drew on traditional knowledge and experience from historical vineyards on the island.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards cover 3.5 hectares in the Khamma district, one of the greenest areas on Pantelleria’s eastern side, with terraces overlooking the sea. Volcanic soils host mainly Zibibbo and Pignatello (Nivuro Nostrale), and to a lesser extent Carignano, Catarratto, and Nerello Mascalese. The traditional alberello pantesco training system, a UNESCO heritage, is used. No chemical products are applied; wild herbs are buried at the end of winter, promoting natural soil fertility.

Winemaking Approach

The natural philosophy continues in the cellar. Vinification relies solely on indigenous yeasts, without invasive interventions or additives, including sulfur dioxide. Every stage of production preserves authentic aromas and freshness, producing wines that evolve in the glass and convey the character of the territory even days after opening.

Wine Characteristics

Abbazia San Giorgio’s wines are fresh, sapid, and Mediterranean, a direct expression of the island and its unique pedoclimatic conditions. Each bottle captures the sun, sea breeze, and aromas of the Mediterranean, delivering an intense and authentic sensory experience. The winery embodies an artisanal approach, creating wines that interact with their environment naturally.