Muscat of Alexandria is a grape variety that is grown in various wine regions around the world.
The name Zibibbo is commonly used in Italy, particularly in Sicily, where it has historical significance.
Zibibbo is often associated with sweet or fortified wines, it is also used to produce dry wines, particularly in Sicily.
Dry Zibibbo wines can offer a unique and aromatic drinking experience.
Zibibbo grapes are known for aromatic qualities with intense Floral notes, particularly Orange Blossom and Musk.
Dry Zibibbo wines show a range of Citrus flavors like Lemon and Orange, as well as stone fruits like Peach and Apricot.
Orange Blossom |
Orange Zest |
Musk |
Citrus |
Peach |
Apricot |
Almonds |
Herbs |
Minerals |
Dry Zibibbo wines are typically light to medium-bodied with a bright and crisp acidity.
SUGAR | Dry |
BODY | Light - Medium |
FRUIT | Medium - High |
ACIDITY | High |
ALCOHOL | 11-12% ABV |
Serving temperature: 10-12°C (50-54°F) |
The aromatic profile makes Zibibbo enjoyable both as a refreshing aperitif and as a complement to lighter meals.
The aromatic nature is well suitable for Salads and lighter Mediterranean cuisine based on Fish.
Aperitif |
Tapas |
Salads |
Pasta |
Seafood |
Mussels |
Cheese |
White Fish |
Aperitif. Antipasti. Pasta. Risotto.
Seafood. Fish. Sushi. Sashimi.
Sicilian Cuisine.
Bottarga di Tonno (Tuna Dried Roe).
A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine. The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings. The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde. |
Zibibbo is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Zibibbo.
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Zibibbo.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
Zibibbo can only be produced from grapes from the island of Pantelleria, in the Strait of Sicily between Sicily and Tunisia, and the wine-making must take place on the island.
Zibibbo is an aromatic white wine grape of the Muscat family.
Known also as Muscat of Alexandria it`s been cultivated in the Mediterranean area in the last 6000 years.
Cultivated in ancient Egypt, and brought to Sicily by Phoenicians and Greeks.
In Arabic Z’bīb means dried grape, raisin.
Today the terroir is rich of fossils and volcanic minerals.
Zibibbo is often used to produce sweet or fortified wines. In Sicily, it is commonly used to make the famous sweet wine known as "Moscato di Pantelleria" or "Passito di Pantelleria." This wine is rich and lusciously sweet, with flavors of dried fruits and honey.
Passito di Pantelleria is a DOC for sweet and fortified wines made in the Pantelleria island in the Strait of Sicily.
Passito di Pantelleria has fruity notes of apricot, yellow peach and candied orange peel, tropical notes of mango and papaya, followed by hints of Mediterranean scrub. In the mouth, fruity notes and hints of aromatic herbs are found, combined with sweet nuances of honey.
Best match with Sicilian desserts such Cassata, Cannoli, Almond Cakes, Gelato al Pistacchio, Foie Gras and strong Cheeses.
The Muscat family includes over 200 grape varieties that have been used in wine production (table grapes and raisins) for many centuries.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is a white wine grape of Greek origin. Its name comes from its small berry size and tight clusters. It is known under a variety of names like:
The Muscat of Alexandria is characterized by its great aromatic power and high sugar content. The fruits of the bunch are larger and oval than those of the small-grained Muscat. It is also known as Muscat of fat grain, or Muscat of Málaga.
Muscat grapes can be used produce dry white wines, often characterized by their floral and fruity aromas with notes of peach, orange blossom, and honey. These wines are typically light and refreshing.
Muscat grapes are also used to make fortified wines, which have higher alcohol content due to the addition of spirits.
In France, the grape is called Muscat Blanc or Muscat à petits grains.
It is used to produce dry white wines, natural sweet wines (vins doux naturels) and sparkling wines.
Muscat d'Alsace is a dry table wine with a fruity aroma, and a light fresh body that makes it an excellent aperitif.
Muscat de Rivesaltes and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise are a sweet fortified dessert wines with flavors of flowers, apricot, citrus and honey.
Clairette de Die is a sparkling wine from the town of Die in the eastern Rhone region of France. It is made from a blend of Muscat Blanc and the Clairette grape, producing a sparkling white wine with a fruity, musky taste.
Examples include:
These wines are rich, sweet, and intensely aromatic.
In Italy, the grap is called Moscato Bianco.
It is used to produce dry, sweet, sparkling, and fortified wines.
The popular Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante wines are light, slightly sweet alternatives for celebrations and as an aperitif.
The name Zibibbo is commonly used in Italy, particularly in Sicily, where it has historical significance.
Zibibbo is often associated with sweet or fortified wines, it is also used to produce dry wines, particularly in Sicily.
Zibibbo Secco can offer a unique and aromatic drinking experience.
White wines from Limnos are made from Moschato Aspro and Muscat of Alexandria. It is vinified dry, semi-dry and medium sweet.
PDO Muscat of Limnos dessert wines may be either vin naturellement dour (sun-dried grapes) or vin doux naturel – vin de liqueur (fortified).
Different types of Muscat grapes are grown in Australia. Different wine styles have been developed ranging from crisp dry whites to late harvest sweet wines and the famous fortified Liqueur Muscats.
Fortified Muscats are produced in Rutherglen and Glenrowan in northeast Victoria. The grape is Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains.
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
35% Cataratto |
13% Chardonnay |
Red Wines |
White Wines |
Cerasuolo |
Carricante |
Rosè Wines |
Dessert Wines |
Volcanic mountains, volcanic hills and dark volcanic soil is covering most of Sicily, but is most significant around the Volcano Mount Etna.
Sicily is excellent for high-quality winemaking. With Mediterranean influences as well as lots of sunshine, the overall climate is warm and dry.
But, the island has mountains, and the benefit of altitude helps to moderate heat, preserve acidity, and even out ripening.
Winds from the oceans protect grapes from frost and mildew, and the harvest is one of the longest in Italy (90 days).
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Alcamo DOC
Contea di Sclafani
Contessa Entellina DOC
Delia Nivolelli DOC
Eloro DOC
Erice DOC
Etna DOC
Faro DOC
Malvasia delle Lipari DOC
Mamertino di Milazzo
Marsala DOC
Menfi DOC
Monreale DOC
Noto DOC
Pantelleria DOC
Riesi DOC
Salaparuta DOC
Sambuca di Sicilia DOC
Santa Margherita di Belice DOC
Sciacca DOC
Sicilia DOC
Siracusa DOC
Vittoria DOC
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