Canto del Grillo 2021 Abbazia San Giorgio

Canto del Grillo 2021 – Abbazia San Giorgio

Wine Overview

Canto del Grillo 2021 from Abbazia San Giorgio is a natural orange wine made from 100% Grillo. About 12 days of skin contact give the wine structure, aromatic complexity, and an intense orange hue while preserving freshness and minerality. Every step of winemaking follows a principle of minimal intervention, highlighting the character of the clay-rich, hilly terroir of Pantelleria. Contains naturally occurring sulfites, with no chemical additions during vinification.

History and Philosophy

Founded in 2015 by Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana, Abbazia San Giorgio is dedicated to reviving Pantelleria’s native grape varieties and producing wines that express the island’s identity. Canto del Grillo represents a pure Grillo expression, respecting tradition, terroir, and biodiversity. The winery’s philosophy is to craft sustainable, artisanal wines that follow natural cycles, without synthetic chemicals or invasive practices.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyard spans 1 hectare, with 15-year-old vines trained in Guyot, a density of 3,900 plants/ha, and a yield of 60 q/ha. The clay-rich hillside soil gives the wine structure and minerality. Biodynamic-inspired practices, though not certified, allow the vines to grow in harmony with the environment, avoiding chemical fertilizers or synthetic products and enhancing the Grillo’s typicity.

Winery Approach

Harvesting occurs in the first week of September, manually selecting the grapes. The clusters are destemmed and crushed. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts, while skin contact lasts about 12 days, imparting color, aromas, and structure. No corrections or additives are used. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks for 4 months, with no added sulfur, filtration, or fining, preserving authenticity and natural expression.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Color: light orange with golden reflections, bright and luminous.
Nose: ripe fruits, citrus peel, white flowers, and subtle mineral notes.
Palate: fresh, savory, elegant, with persistent minerality and harmonious finish.

Pairs perfectly with appetizers, especially seafood and shellfish, as well as grilled vegetables or light fish dishes. Serve at 11-13°C.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Abbazia San Giorgio

• Vintage: 2021

• Grape: 100% Grillo

• Appellation: IGT Terre di Sicilia

• Vineyard location: Pantelleria, Sicily

• Area: 1 hectare

• Vine age: 15 years

• Training system: Guyot

• Density: 3,900 plants/ha

• Yield: 60 q/ha

• Fermentation: spontaneous with native yeasts

• Aging: stainless steel, 4 months

• Sulfites: naturally present

• Alcohol: 13%

• Bottle size: 0.75 l

• Serving temperature: 11-13°C

• Contains sulfites

See all products of Abbazia San Giorgio

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.