- White Still
- 75CL
- 12.5%
- Zibibbo
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Alcesti's Moira represents Sicily's ancient Zibibbo grape at its most expressive. This aromatic white captures the Mediterranean sun and volcanic soils of the island, delivering intense citrus and stone fruit character with distinctive mineral tension.
The 2024 vintage shows excellent balance between the variety's natural richness and refreshing acidity. Best enjoyed young to capture its vibrant aromatics and bright fruit, this wine drinks beautifully now and will maintain its appeal until 2030.
This 2024 Zibibbo is designed for early drinking when its primary fruit and floral aromatics are at their peak. Over the next year, the citrus brightness will integrate with the stone fruit character, developing a more harmonious balance. By 2028-2030, the wine will show increased complexity with honeyed development, though it may lose some of its youthful vibrancy. The mineral backbone will help maintain structure throughout its drinking window, but the wine is unlikely to improve significantly beyond 2030.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with brilliant clarity and a subtle green tinge around the rim.
NoseImmediately aromatic with orange blossom, lemon zest, and white peach. Mediterranean herbs and a subtle mineral undertone add complexity. The aromatic intensity builds in the glass, revealing layers of citrus pith and honeyed stone fruit.
PalateFresh and vibrant with bright acidity leading into flavours of grapefruit, apricot, and orange peel. The mid-palate shows good weight without heaviness, with mineral tension providing structure. A distinctive saline quality emerges, reflecting the volcanic terroir and coastal influence.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering citrus and a characteristic mineral-saline aftertaste that invites another sip.
Overall impressionA beautifully balanced expression of Zibibbo that captures Sicily's sun-soaked terroir with precision and freshness.
Food Pairings
In Sicily, Zibibbo traditionally accompanies the island's abundant seafood, particularly grilled fish dressed with local olive oil and lemon. Locals pair it with caponata, the sweet-and-sour aubergine dish that balances the wine's acidity. Fresh ricotta with honey, arancini filled with seafood, and pasta with sea urchin or sardines are classic combinations. The wine also complements Sicily's excellent shellfish, especially when prepared simply with garlic, parsley, and white wine.
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Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to preserve the wine's aromatic intensity and fresh acidity. Use a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the aromatics while allowing the wine to breathe. No decanting required. Chill the bottle for at least two hours before serving, and consider keeping it in an ice bucket during extended service.
The vineyards benefit from Sicily's volcanic soils, which impart distinctive minerality and complexity to the wines. The Mediterranean climate provides abundant sunshine tempered by coastal breezes, creating ideal conditions for Zibibbo's aromatic development. The combination of volcanic minerals, limestone substrates, and maritime influence gives this wine its characteristic tension between richness and freshness.
Sicily DOC allows winemakers considerable freedom to explore the island's diverse terroir and grape varieties. The appellation encompasses the entire island, from coastal vineyards to high-altitude sites on Mount Etna's slopes. This flexibility has enabled a renaissance in Sicilian winemaking, with producers like Alcesti focusing on indigenous varieties and terroir expression rather than following prescribed blending rules.
The 2024 growing season in Sicily brought a return to more classical Mediterranean patterns after several years of extreme weather volatility. Spring arrived with balanced temperatures and adequate rainfall, providing crucial soil moisture reserves. Summer heat was intense but manageable, with well-timed August rains offering relief during the crucial ripening phase. The harvest began slightly later than recent years, allowing for extended hang time that proved beneficial for both indigenous varieties and international plantings across the island's diverse terroirs.
Early tastings suggest 2024 represents a solid, well-balanced vintage that captures Sicily's distinctive character without the excessive alcohol levels that have occasionally marked recent years. Nero d'Avola has shown excellent concentration with refined tannins, while Nerello Mascalese from Etna displays the elegant structure and mineral precision that defines the volcanic slopes. White varieties like Grillo and Carricante have retained good acidity alongside ripe fruit flavours. Most 2024 Sicilian wines will benefit from 12-18 months of bottle age before reaching their optimum drinking window, though the freshest whites are already showing well.
FAQs
What is Zibibbo and how does it taste?
Zibibbo is Sicily's name for Muscat of Alexandria, an ancient aromatic grape variety. It produces intensely fragrant wines with citrus, stone fruit, and floral character, often with a distinctive mineral-saline quality when grown in volcanic soils.
How long will this wine keep once opened?
Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. The wine's aromatic intensity will diminish after opening, so it's best enjoyed promptly.
Is this a sweet or dry wine?
This Zibibbo is vinified dry, though the grape's natural aromatic intensity and fruit character may give an impression of sweetness. The bright acidity provides excellent balance.
What temperature should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C. Proper temperature is crucial for preserving the wine's aromatic profile and refreshing acidity.
Will this wine improve with age?
This wine is designed for early consumption to capture its vibrant aromatics and fresh fruit character. While it will remain pleasant until 2030, it's unlikely to develop significant additional complexity with age.
What foods pair best with Sicilian Zibibbo?
Excellent with seafood, particularly grilled fish, shellfish, and pasta with white sauces. Also pairs well with soft cheeses, Mediterranean salads, and light appetisers.
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