The grape variety Grillo

Grillo is a distinguished white grape variety native to Sicily, Italy, celebrated for producing wines with bright character and versatility. Renowned for its vibrant aromatics, Grillo typically expresses notes of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, layered with white peach, green apple, and subtle hints of wild herbs or jasmine. On the palate, Grillo wines deliver fresh acidity and a medium body, often showing a saline or mineral undertone that reflects their Mediterranean terroir.

The principal growing regions for Grillo are found across western Sicily, particularly in the provinces of Trapani and Marsala. Here, the warm climate and coastal influences nurture optimal grape ripening, creating wines of excellent balance and complexity.

Grillo is traditionally vinified into crisp, refreshing still wines, but increasingly it produces rich, textural wines with short skin contact or partial oak aging, adding depth and complexity. The grape’s historic role in the production of Marsala, Sicily’s famed fortified wine, remains noteworthy.

For food pairings, Grillo’s lively acidity and aromatic profile make it an excellent companion to fresh seafood, shellfish, grilled vegetables, and light pasta dishes with lemon and herbs. It also pairs elegantly with soft cheeses and Mediterranean salads.