Cusumano Salealto Tenuta Ficuzza 2021

Cusumano Salealto Tenuta Ficuzza 2021 is a characterful Sicilian white that pays homage to the historic wines once enjoyed by King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon at his royal hunting lodge, the Real Casina di Caccia in Ficuzza. Crafted from equal parts Insolia, Grillo and Zibibbo, it is a true "vin du terroir" that captures the high‑altitude freshness and Mediterranean salinity of the Ficuzza estate. Each variety is vinified separately before being masterfully blended, resulting in a wine that is at once elegant, evocative and distinctly Sicilian.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Salealto 2021 shows a bright straw-yellow color with subtle golden highlights, hinting at both freshness and concentration. The nose opens with layered aromas of citrus zest, ripe pear and white peach, joined by notes of orange blossom, jasmine and wild herbs, with a distinct marine salinity and a touch of Mediterranean spices adding depth. On the palate, the wine is textured yet vibrant, combining the structure of Insolia, the minerality and tension of Grillo, and the aromatic lift of Zibibbo. Flavors of lemon curd, nectarine and baked apple intertwine with hints of almond, sea spray and dried herbs. The finish is long, savory and saline, with a pleasant, mouthwatering grip that invites another sip. Enjoyable now for its energy and aromatics, Salealto 2021 has the concentration and acidity to develop additional complexity over the next 4–6 years.

Production
Salealto is sourced from Cusumano’s Tenuta Ficuzza estate in the Sicilian hinterland, a high-altitude enclave where cooler temperatures and strong diurnal shifts preserve acidity and aromatic precision. The vineyards, rooted in predominantly calcareous and clay-limestone soils, express a distinctive mineral edge and natural salinity. Grapes of Insolia, Grillo and Zibibbo are harvested separately at optimal ripeness, often by hand to ensure selection in the vineyard. Each variety is vinified on its own, typically in temperature-controlled stainless steel to protect delicate aromas and maintain freshness, with time on fine lees to build texture and complexity. The final blend is then assembled, allowing the three grapes to “regenerate” together into a harmonious, terroir-driven wine.

Food & Serving
This expressive Sicilian white is a natural match for seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Pair it with grilled octopus, sea bream, scallop crudo, or citrus-marinated shrimp, as well as risotto with shellfish, fish couscous, or vegetable dishes featuring fennel, citrus, capers, or olives. It also works beautifully with semi-aged cheeses and aromatic dishes from the sea. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatics. A brief decant of 15–20 minutes, or simply opening the bottle a little in advance, can help the wine fully unfurl its floral and saline notes.

Producer
Cusumano is one of Sicily’s leading modern estates, known for combining deep regional roots with a contemporary, quality-focused approach. Founded by the Cusumano family, the winery has invested heavily in distinct single estates across the island, including Tenuta Ficuzza near Palermo, to showcase the diversity of Sicilian terroirs. Over the years, Cusumano has helped redefine the perception of Sicilian wines on the international stage, emphasizing indigenous varieties like Insolia and Grillo while exploring innovative blends and precise viticulture. Salealto is a testament to their philosophy: reviving a royal historic reference from Ficuzza and reimagining it through meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking.

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