Terre Siciliane Zibibbo IGT ” Grotta dell’Oro ” 2020 – Hibiscus

The Grotta dell’Oro Hibiscus is made of 100% Zibibbo grapes from various plots on the island of Ustica between Contrada Spalmatore and Contrada Tramontena; North and South-West exposure; altitude from 0 to 30m / asl; surface 7.000sqm divided into plots of about 1,500 square meters; 2,700 stocks / ha; sixth plant 1.5×2.40m. The soil that makes the grapes of Grotta dell’Oro Hibiscus is volcanic with a medium loose texture. NOTES: Zibibbo is a Sicilian variety that is well suited to volcanic soils near the sea and has traditionally been cultivated on the island of Ustica. In the past, it was mixed with other grapes to provide its characteristic aromas to wines produced for family consumption and was also dried for the preparation of desserts. The Hibiscus Company has taken over the cultivation and vinification with techniques that allow to preserve and enhance its aromatic characteristics.

The small but well-equipped Hibiscus wine cellar produces wines that are the result of the vocation of the island environment, which strongly express the proximity to the sea, and the character of the territory of volcanic origin, beaten by the sun and the wind.

Sicilian autochthonous varieties are favored, from which three labels of white wines are obtained, one of red and a passito of Zibibbo, Zhabib, a leading product that represents one of the main features of the island together with the lentils of Ustica, Slow Food Presidium of 15 years, the other jewel grown on the farm with certified organic methods.

In the spaces adjacent to the tasting area, together with the Study and Documentation Center “Isola di Ustica”, a museum of rural and maritime culture has been set up. The company has an appendix on the mainland on the hills between Erice and Valderice in the province of Trapani, a few kilometres from the sea where it grows a small olive grove.

The organic farming method according to the European Regulations is certified by the CCPB control body. .The company uses photovoltaic energy thanks to the plant placed on the roof of the farm area.

Already in the seventies Nicola Longo, graduated in agriculture in Turin as a student-worker, began to replace him with the spurred cordon and the guyot. Then in the Nineties, it introduced fermentation at controlled temperature and started the gradual modernization of the Hibiscus Wine cellar. In 2010 the management of the company passed to his daughter Margherita and her partner Vito.

Back on the island after the PhD in agriculture in Palermo and a first job in Rome, they buy a refrigeration plant and this year a lung press, custom built by Puleo di Marsala.

Annual production is around 13,000 bottles. Without being certified, the company applies the methods of organic viticulture