Italian wine and grape guide : Zibibbo

The Zibibbo, also knowns as Muscat of Alexandria, is a white grape variety member of the Muscat family thought to originate from Egypt, specifically from the city of Alexandria hence the name, and widely planted in the Mediterranean basin, from Spain to Egypt and in Italy growth mainly in Sicily and its islands. The Zibibbo is mostly used to produce “passiti”, dessert wines, and its most famous expression is the Passito di Pantelleria from the Pantelleria island, but it is also found and made as still white wines.

The wines made from Zibibbo have a color that varies from light yellow to amber or golden if the grapes are dried and the wine made as “passiti”. Their nose is intense, aromatic, with hints of candied citrus fruits and dried fruit. To the palate, the wines are smooth and soft, fresh, balanced and great structure.