Tenuta Gorghi Tondi
Located in the fascinating countryside of Mazara del Vallo
Annamaria and Clara Sala manage their winery within an area of surprising scenic charm, a kaleidoscope of colours between the nearby sea and Lake Preola and the Gorghi Tondi Nature Reserve, near Mazara del Vallo.
The “gorghi tondi” which translates to round whirlpools that give the name to the winery are three circular lakes (Gorgo Alto, Medio and Basso) that have developed over time through an erosive geological phenomenon, aka karst phenomena, which has “dug” the ground, creating cone-shaped craters, which over time filled little by little with rainwater and underground aquifers. They are located in the fascinating countryside of Mazara del Vallo on the estate of Annamaria and Clara Sala, two sisters who continue a long family tradition.
Today Annamaria and Clara sisters represents the fourth generation involved in the world of wine. This story is linked to their great-grandmother Dora who in the 19th century was looking for vineyards to buy to produce Marsala. It may seem strange that a woman at that time could devote herself to such a job, but Mrs Dora was strong-willed, a determined woman, plus she had a “smart” husband by her side. My great-grandmother also came from a family involved with wine: so it was completely acceptable. She was definitely a pioneer. Mrs Dora fell in love with this area and bought 130 hectares which were part of a hunting reserve belonging to the Saporito Princes. She devoted them to the cultivation of grapevines, especially those most used at the time for the production of Marsala: grillo, catarratto, but also zibibbo and other varieties, both indigenous and internationals.
The brand Gorghi Tondi was born in the early 2000s thanks to Annamaria and Clara’s father, Mr Michele Sala, who immediately entrusted the management of the new winery to his two daughters. A modern equipped cellar in a traditional shape building, the typical sicilian “baglio”.
A large part of the vineyards is located within the WWF Natural Reserve “Lago Preola and Gorghi Tondi,” an area characterised, on one side, by the humidity of the lakes, a naturalistic and biodiversity oasis; on the other, by the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, which is very close by, and which guarantees constant ventilation and the presence of saltiness in the air.
Gorghi Tondi is today a benchmark producer in Sicily about “Grillo” variety which in the vineyard covers an area of 30% of the total property, but we also it grows Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Catarratto, Zibibbo, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese and Syrah.
All the production is Organic certified and the Winery follows the sustainable growing too.
Wines from Tenuta Gorghi Tondi:
Coste A Preola Grillo
Bright yellow color with greenish hues. Elegant and intense on the nose, with pronounced and complex varietal aromas, featuring tropical fruit, mint, pineapple, and white peach. Well-balanced on the palate, full-bodied, rich, and fragrant, with lively acidity and good persistence.
Food pairings: Particularly suited for fish starters, raw shellfish, fish soups, baked fish, and flavorful vegetable dishes.
Meridiano 12 Zibibbo
Straw yellow color with greenish reflections. Aromatic and fruity, with hints of almond, apricot, orange blossom, and sage. Fragrant on the palate, with a well-balanced acidity and flavor.
Food pairings: Ideal as an aperitif, excellent with fish dishes, particularly shellfish, sea urchins, and oysters.
Sorellesala - Rosso Riserva Sicilia Doc
Colour: Shining ruby with imperceptible purple reflections
Aromas: Red fruit, forest fruits, delicate tertiary notes of toasted, Cuban, and berry vanilla, finishing with black pepper and light hints of balsamic
Palate: Velvety mouthfeel, simultaneously powerful, rich, and persuasive, rightly tannic with long and pleasant persistence
Food pairings: Goes very well with red meats, roasts, game, braised meats, platters of cured meats, and medium-aged cheeses.
Meridiano 12 Syrah 2022
Colour: Ruby red with purple reflections
Aromas: Fruity with hints of raspberry, blackberry, and cherry, accompanied by hints of sage and characteristic black pepper
Palate: Rich, intense, soft, rightly tannic, with excellent persistence. Elegant and full-bodied.
Food pairings: Ideal with red meat, furred game, or hard cheeses of good maturation.
Coste A Preola Nero D'avola 2021
Colour: Brilliant ruby red with purple reflections
Aromas: Good complexity on the nose, pleasantly spicy with hints of black cherry and small forest fruits
Palate: Rich, intense, soft, rightly tannic, with excellent persistence
Food pairings: Excellent with grilled red meat, game, truffle dishes, spicy and seasoned cheeses.
