A Sicilian Oasis by the Sea - Wine Tasting at Cantine Pupillo
An intimate visit among a secret garden, a castle and an unforgettable Pollio Moscato
Jan de Weerd, Spoken Wines
This will hide itself!
A Sicilian Oasis by the Sea - Wine Tasting at Cantine Pupillo
An intimate visit among a secret garden, a castle and an unforgettable Pollio Moscato
Nestled on the lush, fertile grounds of the Pupillo estate, just outside the ancient city of Siracusa, Cantine Pupillo feels like a secret garden on the edge of the Mediterranean. The air, filled with floral bloom and salt-kissed breezes, invite you to slow down, sip, and savor.
Wine tasting on the grounds of the Pupillo Estate next to an historic fortress
We arrived for a tasting with Christian Liistro, the warm and knowledgeable wine merchant for Pupillo. The tasting room sits just beside the Castello del Solacium, a historic fortress that has watched over these lands for centuries. The estate vineyards grow near the castle, nourished by mineral-rich soils and the sea’s proximity—a marriage of history and terroir that you can taste in the glass.
Exploring the elegance of Pupillo's wines beneath Castello del Solacium
Laser focused, clean and crisp Moscato wines
Pupillo’s wines are laser-focused and clean. Their whites, made from Moscato di Siracusa, are a revelation, far from the excess sweetness one might expect, they’re mineral, refreshing, and precise. One of the standout moments was tasting the Pollio, a Moscato with 30 grams of residual sugar. It evoked the elegance and vibrance of a Kabinett Riesling, with a Sicilian ocean freshness. This wine 'sang' when paired with a local cheese, Albacara Fattoria del Grano, an organic cow’s milk cheese rolled in cracked black pepper. The tangy-spicy-creamy interplay was unforgettable. Also striking was Pupillo’s sparkling rosé made from Nero d’Avola. Unlike any other, it offered delicate fruit, fine, silky bubbles, and a whisper of Dijon spice—subtle but captivating.
The Pollio Moscato evoked the elegance and vibrance of a Kabinett Riesling
Cantine Pupillo is not just a place for wine, it’s a living expression of land, history, and people
Carmela Pupillo, the owner, greeted us us with genuine warmth. Her presence, like the wines, was grounded and gracious. She expressed quiet pride in the land her family has cultivated for generations. Her hospitality was genuine. Cantine Pupillo is not just a place for wine, it’s a living expression of land, history, and the generosity of its people. If you find yourself on the eastern coast of Sicily, this coastal oasis is a must!
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