Wine of the Week 4/27/21

Valdibella "Munir" Catarratto 2018
Regularly $15.99/On Sale for $10.96!

The name ‘Munir’ comes from the Arabic for ‘luminous’ or ‘ray of light’, perfect for the pale lemon/yellow colour of the wine; and also a shout-out to Sicily’s incredibly complex and diverse cultural heritage.

Valdibella was established in 1998 by six growers and friends with a shared commitment to producing authentic natural wines. In 2000, it officially became a farming co-operative. Today, the co-op offers local landowners an alternative to selling fruit to huge co-operatives, whose activities are closely tied to those of the big brands. In addition to grapes, the owners grow olives and almonds, all organically and following biodynamic principles.

Valdibella is also a member of the grassroots ”Addiopizzo” movement, an association of citizens and organizations in the Palermo region who rebel against ”il pizzo” – extortion money demanded of Sicilian businesses by the local Mafia.

Catarratto has always been cultivated in north-west Sicily; until recently it was very rare to find it outside it. . All of the Valdibella farmers cultivate it, precisely because of the cultural importance of the grape.

The grapes for the Munir are harvested by hand and transported to the cellar in small baskets, where they are de-stemmed and crushed. Subsequently the decanted must is racked and added with natural fermentation must (prepared in the previous days with grapes from the same vineyard).

This beautiful, golden Catarratto is a perfect match for any type of seafood, but is flexible enough to accompany lighter chicken or pasta as well. Most good wines of this type are more in the neighborhood of $20 or more, so don’t miss this exceptional deal!