Cantine Pepi - Gamè 2021
Price: $17.00
| Producer | Cantine Pepi |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Varietal | Catarratto |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 011475 |
| ABV | 13.00% |
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Cantine Pepi likes to say that ''we are 99% woman enterprise" and "run by women that boldly undertake the profession of the winemaker in Sicily". The wines of Rosa Pepi and her daughter Erika come to life in Mazzarone, in the area of Licodia Eubea, in the hills along the Dirillo River in southeast Sicily near Ragusa and Vittoria. Rosa is the fourth generation of her family to lead the estate, whose 30 hectares of vineyards are planted to mostly indigenous Sicilian varietals: Nero d'Avola and Frappato for the reds and Insolia, Grillo and Catarratto for the whites. All vines are dry-farmed on a mix of sand, clay and limestone soils and hand-harvested. The name Gamè is an Arabic word that refers to Agata, a rare and precious stone from the eastern part of Sicily.
Catarratto normally isn't known for its character and aromatics. In fact, most Catarratto is viewed with contempt by the locals and seen merely as a grape for producing Marsala and bulk wine. But the women at Cantine Pepi have brought out the best this varietal can offer. Their 100% Catarratto pours an alluring light gold with lemon highlights. On the nose, enticing aromas of white flowers, lime blossom, green almonds, grapefruit and talc plume from the glass. On the palate the wine is vivacious with a freshness and energy that balances perfectly with a spine of tingly, chalky minerality — creating a tightrope upon which flavors of kumquat, Valencia oranges, green tea and citrus flowers walk across effortlessly. The finish is lively and invigorating, gently calling you back for another sip. Enjoy with a pasta of zucchini, ricotta and basil or broiled sardines with lemon, thyme and capers. But a word of warning: wait until you sit down and eat to open the bottle, otherwise, you'll finish it while cooking.
