Zibibbo

Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria, is an ancient white grape variety from the Muscat family, believed to have originated in Egypt - specifically the city of Alexandria, from which it takes its name. Over centuries, this aromatic grape has spread across the Mediterranean, from Spain to Egypt, and has found a particularly strong home in Italy, where it is primarily cultivated in Sicily and its surrounding islands, including Pantelleria.

Zibibbo grapes are most famously used to produce “passiti” dessert wines, made from grapes that have been sun-dried to concentrate their sugars and aromas. The most iconic expression of this is Passito di Pantelleria, a luscious, complex sweet wine that has become a symbol of Sicilian viticulture. However, Zibibbo is also increasingly vinified as dry or semi-dry still white wines, offering a more refreshing and versatile profile.

Wines made from Zibibbo display a color spectrum ranging from pale yellow to deep amber or golden hues, particularly when made in the passito style. On the nose, they are intensely aromatic, showcasing distinctive notes of candied citrus peel, dried figs, apricots, honey, and floral undertones. On the palate, Zibibbo wines are smooth and soft, with a pleasant freshness and a well-balanced structure. Their rich texture and expressive bouquet make them an excellent match for desserts, blue cheeses, or even as a meditative wine.

Whether enjoyed sweet or dry, Zibibbo wines offer a unique expression of Mediterranean terroir and a sensory journey through one of the world’s most historic grape varieties.