Salvatore Marino "Turi" Bianco Terre Siciliane IGT 2022

Press 4 Mix/White • August 2024 Direct Press Selection

Salvatore Marino, nicknamed 'Turi,' grew up around wine in Pachino in the far southeast corner of Sicily. His father and grandfather both made wine that was sold in bulk but as Salvatore's interest in wine grew he decided to find his own path. He learned a lot very quickly in big wineries in Sicily, Puglia, and California, but after 10 years of that he and his wife Stefania started their own project that is noting like his family or his former employer's. In 2017 they created a polycultural farm out of parcels they bought or rented from her family and neighbors. About 7 hectares are grapevines and another 8 are planted to fruit trees and grains amonth other crops. They do all the work themselves, and it really shows. Their wines are special and reflective of the hot sun and intense winds at latitudes farther south than the upper reaches of Africa. 

Their Bianco is 100% Catarratto, which is not typical of Pachino, though Salvatore's grandfather thought it was the best white grape for the area. It sees just a few days of skin contact, but it drinks like a full-on orange wine. Upon opening, the wine is firing right away, offering beautiful aromas of ginseng, yellow plums, peaches, lychee, and lightly underripe mango. On the palate, you'll experience a delightful mix of lemon peel, apricots, and early-season stone fruit. It's light, tart, and really refreshing — reminiscent of those San Benedetto iced teas you can find at every corner shop in Italy. Its vibrant acidity and just the tiniest amount of tannins give it a good 'crunch,' making it incredibly versatile. Pair it with a sunset, some lightly grilled and marinated vegetables, or red prawns. Or enjoy it on its own — you can’t really go wrong. Jonathan Kemp and Nico Haunold