
Grillo – freshness, exoticism & Mediterranean variety from Sicily
Grillo is a traditional white grape variety from Sicily that has become a real trend wine in recent years. Originally known as a component of Marsala, Grillo is now a fresh, aromatic white wine with a Mediterranean character.
Aromas of citrus, grapefruit, peach, exotic fruits, melon, herbs and flowers are typical of Grillo. Depending on the ageing process, the style ranges from light and fresh to creamy and complex to orange-colored natural wines or sparkling varieties.
🔹 Young, fresh Grillo (stainless steel): Citrus-fresh, lively, animating, perfect for hot days.
🔹 Grillo aged in wood or on the lees: Creamy, full-bodied, with depth and smoothness.
🔹 Natural wine grillo or orange wine: Multi-layered, wild, with herbal notes and tannins.
🔹 Grillo Spumante (sparkling wine): Sparkling, aromatic, with a fine perlage.
➡ Grillo is the perfect partner for fish, seafood, Mediterranean starters, pasta & Sicilian specialties.
1️⃣ Young, fresh Grillo
Taste: Dry, citrus-fresh, light, mineral.
Typical aromas: lemon, grapefruit, melon, flowers.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Fish & seafood → Prawns, calamari, mussels
✔ Sicilian starters & salads → Caponata, insalata di mare, bruschetta
✔ Light pasta & risotto → Pasta with prawns, lemon risotto
➡ Recommended recipes:
– Pasta with prawns and lemon
– Grilled calamari
2️⃣ Grillo with wood or yeast storage
Taste: Creamy, full-bodied, complex.
Typical aromas: Ripe peaches, almonds, honey, herbs.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Poultry & white meat dishes → Chicken with a lemon and herb crust, veal escalope
✔ Mediterranean vegetable dishes → Oven vegetables, eggplants, artichokes
✔ Mature cheese & pasta → Pecorino, Pasta alla Norma
➡ Recommended recipes:
– Pasta alla Norma
– Chicken with herbs and lemon
3️⃣ Natural wine or Orange Grillo
Taste: Complex, herbal, with tannins and structure.
Typical aromas: orange, herbs, honey, tangerine, tea notes.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Hearty vegetable dishes → Lentil stew, pumpkin dishes
✔ Wild herbs & oriental cuisine → Couscous, tajine, grilled vegetables
✔ Charcuterie & cheese → Matured cheese, air-dried salami
➡ Recommended recipes:
– Lentil stew with vegetables
– Couscous with herbs
🔍 Grillo & food pairing at a glance
Grillo style | Best food pairings |
---|---|
Young, fresh Grillo | Fish, prawns, caponata, pasta |
Grillo with wood/yeast | Chicken, vegetable dishes, pasta, cheese |
Natural wine/Orange Grillo | Vegetables, lentils, oriental cuisine, charcuterie |
🥂 The ideal serving temperature for Grillo
Grillo should ideally be drunk well chilled at 8-10 °C. Complex varieties preferably at 10-12 °C.
🚀 Conclusion: Why Grillo goes perfectly with Sicilian Mediterranean cuisine
Grillo is the aromatic white wine star of Sicily: fresh & fruity, creamy & complex or wild & full of character as a natural wine – it accompanies Mediterranean cuisine in a unique way! 🍷🇮🇹
➢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀
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