Summer is upon us my friends. In my opinion, the best time of year is here. When the days last longer, dinners are later, and I spend as much time as possible soaking up the sun. Preferably near an ocean or sea, but any body of water will do. Summer just has the best vibe, don’t you think? As with all things in life, I’ve found the perfect wine to match the season’s radiant energy—Di Giovanna Camurrìa Orange 2019.
The Winery: Di Giovanna
Di Giovanna sits south of Palermo and west of Marsala in Sicily, basking under the Mediterranean sun. Brothers Gunther and Klaus Di Giovanna currently helm the family-owned winery. They are the 5th generation to serve as custodians of the land in Sambuca di Sicilia and Contessa Entellina.
The family’s 65 hectares of vineyards relish amidst the Monte Genuardo nature reserve. Their higher elevation vineyards reach up to 850 m. above sea level on calcareous soils. Whereas volcanic tuff soil abounds as the elevation descends to 460 m. in Contessa Entellina. Read more about Di Giovanna’s various vineyards here.
Notably, Di Giovanna’s vineyards have been certified organic since 1997. Through every generation, the family works with the utmost respect to the Sicilian territory, ushering in expressive vintages representative of their home year after year. Subsequently, Di Giovanna cultivates mainly indigenous and select international varieties, including Grillo, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Nero D’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Syrah, and Merlot.
The Wine: Di Giovanna Camurrìa Orange, IGP Terre Siciliane 2019
Di Giovanna’s Camurrìa Orange 2019 is made from 100% Grillo. This white variety native to Sicily can withstand the hot Mediterranean climate of the zone. Typically, Grillo produces crisp white wines with citrus blossom, peach, grapefruit, and herbal aromas. Otherwise, lees contact and barrel aging can yield Grillo wines with more complex mineral notes and citrus flavors.
The Grillo for the Camurrìa Orange comes from 30-year-old vines in Di Giovanna’s Paradiso vineyard at 435m above sea level. Starting with spontaneous fermentation, the grapes then macerated on the skins for five days and underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine was racked to neutral barrels for two months and then spent nine months in stainless steel on the fine lees. The result?
Di Giovanna’s Camurrìa Orange 2019 gets the party started with a vibrant orange color in the glass. Expressive aromas of wildflowers, orange peel, hay, apricot, and quince compel you to return to the glass again and again. This Sicilian orange wine washes over the palate with savory flavors and a layered texture. Bitter almond, orange peel, and subtle spices coupled with a juicy acidity at the heart of the wine make this a must try orange wine for summer.
Finally, Camurrìa is the Sicilian word for trouble and I see this wine bringing on the good kind of trouble that only happens in summer. It’s as if they bottled all the Mediterranean Sea breeze, sunshine, and macchia on their prized corner of the island to bring wine lovers a lively taste of Sicily.
P.S. This wine is vegan friendly and unfiltered. Oh, and their organic olive oil is to die for, too!
Other Di Giovanna Wines I Love
Somm On Di Giovanna Episode 12: Helios Grillo Video
Somm On Di Giovanna Episode 2: Vurria Nerello Mascalese Rosato 2019 Video
