Bianco Macerato 'Modus Bibendi' Elios 2021
Artisanal
Callmewine's FavouritesThe Macerated White Modus Bibendi by Elios is a white wine macerated on the skins from Alcamo and based on Grillo, Catarratto and Zibibbo grapes. It ages for about 7 months in contact with the fine lees in stainless steel tanks and develops a full and balanced personality, where Catarratto brings freshness, Zibibbo contributes a very intense aromatic component, and Grillo provides structure and its wide complexity.
The Bianco Macerato “Modus Bibendi” by Elios is a wide-open window that enjoys a stunning view of the Sicilian lands that end in the sea. It is the expression of the richness of this island, in a particular variation, that of wines macerated on the skins. Nicola and Roberto Adamo, together with Guido Grillo, started in 2015 with a project that is rooted in the land and in the sustainability of production and processing methods: simplicity and authenticity, refinement and attention guide these young men in the search for flavors that have a distinct and autonomous character, that stand apart from the “known”. Oil and honey are part of Elios' production, in an integrated biological system that takes into account the broader vision and the very important interactions between natural microcosms.
The “Modus Bibendi” Macerato by Elios is a blend of three predominantly Sicilian grape varieties: Grillo, Catarratto, and Zibibbo. The vines grow on clay-limestone soils in the municipality of Camporeale, in northwestern Sicily, overlooking the gulf between San Vito Lo Capo and Punta Raisi.
The management is organic and very little sulfur is used. The harvest is manual and the best timing for each grape variety involved is observed. The fermentation is spontaneous and activated by indigenous yeasts, with a skin maceration of 20 days. The aging lasts 7 months in stainless steel containers in contact with the yeasts. As specified on the label, the wine undergoes no filtration before bottling.Elios Bianco Macerato “Modus Bibendi” shines in the glass with its amber color with golden reflections, just like the sun, “Elios”. The aromas it releases seem all linked to the color yellow, to sunlight, to joy: citrus fruits stand out first, but also candied fruit, orange peel, and dehydrated apricots. Notes of melon and a hint of broom flowers also overlap. A continuous reference to Sicily, in short. After tasting it, the sensation is one of freshness and sapidity. It manages to envelop the mouth and flood it with its aromatic richness, with a persistent finish. Alight tannin unfolds gently in the texture, without scratching, but accompanying the sip. A straightforward Sicilian, a new way of drinking, “modus bibendi”: the novelty, in this case, is pleasant.