Garofalo 2020 Abbazia San Giorgio

Garofalo 2020: Nero d’Avola from Pantelleria

Wine Overview

Garofalo 2020 is a full-bodied red wine made from 100% Nero d’Avola, one of Sicily’s most emblematic native grapes. Produced by Abbazia San Giorgio, founded in 2015 by Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana, it is an intense, territorial expression reflecting Pantelleria’s volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate. This wine contains sulfites naturally present, with no chemical additives or invasive treatments throughout production, from vineyard to bottle.

Wine History

Garofalo was created to highlight the authentic expression of Nero d’Avola, recovering the grape’s historical significance in Sicilian winemaking. The 15-year-old vines grow on terraces in volcanic soils, exposed to the island’s breezes, which impart freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity. Abbazia San Giorgio pursues a fully organic and biodynamic approach, respecting the natural rhythms of the vines and enhancing the unique characteristics of the terroir, producing a wine that is authentic, expressive, and balanced.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are trained using the traditional Alberello Pantesco system, a UNESCO heritage, allowing the plants to develop naturally and express maximum quality. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used; the ecosystem is preserved with biodynamic preparations and minimal manual interventions. Harvesting is strictly manual, selecting only the best clusters. This sustainable approach ensures a strong connection between the wine and its land, preserving the integrity of the fruit and the terroir.

Winemaking Approach

In the winery, Garofalo is crafted naturally. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the grapes macerate on the skins for 15-18 days to extract color, tannins, and characteristic aromas. Aging is entirely in stainless steel, without filtration or clarification, preserving freshness, aromatic complexity, and structure. The result is an elegant, harmonious red that balances power and drinkability while maintaining a true expression of Pantelleria’s Nero d’Avola.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Color: deep ruby red with garnet reflections, highlighting elegance and structure.
Nose: ripe red fruits, cherry, plum, rose petals, subtle spices, and hints of Mediterranean scrub.
Palate: full-bodied, balanced, with soft tannins, defined freshness, and a persistent finish, leaving a harmonious impression.

Pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, roasts, hearty pasta with meat sauces, aged cheeses, and Mediterranean dishes. Serve at 16-18°C to fully enjoy the wine’s complexity and aromas.

Technical Sheet

• Grape Variety: Nero d’Avola 100%

• Vinification: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, 15-18 days maceration

• Aging: stainless steel, no filtration or clarification

• Sulfites: naturally present, no added sulfites

• Alcohol: 13%

• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C

• Origin: Pantelleria, Sicily

• Winery: Abbazia San Giorgio

• 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.