Le Casematte was established in 2008 by Gianfranco Sabbatino and Andrea Barzagli. It is located in Faro Superiore, near Messina, Sicily. Faro comprises a mere 50 acres of land which is all planted to indigenous Sicilian grape varietals. Gianfranco and Andrea are enthusiastic about all things Sicilian, especially Sicilian wine. The winery has 35 acres of vineyards at an altitude between 820 and 1,215 feet above sea level. The wines are hand harvested and hand cultivated. These vineyards benefit from the Sirocco winds and sea breezes of the Strait of Messina. The soils are a composite of sand and clay.


Varietal Composition: 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante

Tasting Notes: Appears bright straw/yellow; aromas of Mediterranean herbs, ripe peach, jasmine flowers, and hints of minerals; flavors follow aromatics, off-dry, medium bodied, fresh, lightly tannic, moderately intense, and well-balanced; similar to Santorini Assyrtiko, but not as intense.

Food pairing: Lobster, South Asian cuisine, and shellfish.

By Don Clemens