Rosso dei Sesi 2021 Abbazia San Giorgio

Rosso dei Sesi 2021: Perricone from Pantelleria

Wine Overview

The Rosso dei Sesi 2021 is made from 100% Perricone, an ancient black grape native to Pantelleria. Produced by Abbazia San Giorgio, founded in 2015 by Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana, this wine is an intense and distinctive expression of the island, crafted following natural cycles and local traditions. Rosso dei Sesi 2021 contains sulfites naturally present, with no chemical additives or invasive interventions.

Wine History

Rosso dei Sesi was created to revive ancient varieties like Perricone and enhance them through natural winemaking. The vines, about 15 years old, grow in volcanic soils rich in nutrients and planted on traditional island terraces. The winery’s approach combines tradition and sustainability, producing wines that faithfully express the character of Pantelleria.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards are trained using the traditional Alberello Pantesco system, a UNESCO heritage, and managed entirely organically and biodynamically. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used, and wild herbs are buried at the end of winter to maintain soil balance. Harvesting is manual, focusing on optimal ripeness and preserving the Perricone grape’s genetic heritage.

Winemaking Approach

Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, followed by 15 days of maceration on the skins. Aging takes place in stainless steel without filtration or clarification. This process enhances freshness, minerality, and structure, producing an elegant and complex wine ready to enjoy.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Color: intense ruby red.
Nose: crunchy forest berries, red berries, cherry, rose petals, and wild herb notes.
Palate: fresh, mineral, well-structured, with defined tannins and a persistent finish.

Pairs well with braised or grilled white meats, seasonal vegetables, legumes, and medium-aged cheeses. Serve at 16-18°C to fully appreciate complexity and aromatics.

Technical Sheet

• Grape Variety: Perricone 100%

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

• Aging: stainless steel, no filtration or clarification

• Sulfites: naturally present, no added sulfites

• Alcohol: approx. 13%

• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C

• Origin: Khamma, Pantelleria

• Winery: Abbazia San Giorgio

• Contains sulfites

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.