Azienda Agricola Cortese “Orange-utan” Bianco Terre Siciliane IGT 2023 – Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
An expressive Sicilian orange wine made from 80% Inzolia · 20% Zibibbo, produced from organic grapes with extended skin maceration that gives the wine its amber hue, grip, and layered complexity. Inzolia brings structure, savory tension, and citrus backbone, while Zibibbo contributes aromatic lift, exotic spice, and floral intrigue. Vegan-friendly and sustainably farmed, this is a textured, gastronomic orange wine built more for the table than casual sipping.
Aromas & Flavors
Dried apricot, orange peel, and mandarin oil. Subtle tropical notes from the Zibibbo with hints of jasmine and white flowers. Warm baking spice, ginger, and light tea leaf. Gentle nuttiness and herbal tones. A savory citrus peel finish that keeps the palate engaged and curious.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with noticeable phenolic grip from skin contact. Bright acidity keeps the wine lively and prevents heaviness. Light tannic texture adds structure and food compatibility. Dry, persistent finish with a pleasantly savory edge. Energetic, layered, and tactile.
Food Pairings
Excellent with earthy and umami-driven dishes: Grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms. Semi-aged cheeses and washed-rind styles. Roasted vegetables with herbs and olive oil. Mediterranean mezze and antipasti. Spiced poultry or vegetarian dishes. A natural bridge between white wine freshness and light red structure.
🍷 Personal Pick
Orange wines aren’t about easy comfort, they’re about curiosity, texture, and pairing power. This one delivers beautifully: expressive without being funky, structured without heaviness. It truly shines alongside food and invites slow exploration rather than casual sipping.
Did You Know?
Inzolia is one of Sicily’s most important indigenous white grapes, prized for structure and citrus-driven freshness, while Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) brings highly aromatic floral and exotic fruit character. Skin-contact fermentation extracts tannins, color, and savory complexity, giving orange wines their distinctive texture and gastronomic versatility. — 5 months ago
Fine men ite tunn, non? #tnwc — 2 years ago
Blend of Catarratto and Grillo, fermented on skins in Slavonian oak, pale lemon color with aromas of tropical fruits and floral spice. On the palate flavors of melon and peach with citrus notes, lively acidity, crisp on a smooth medium+ finish ending with fruit and flinty notes. Consistent! — 3 years ago
I loved this one… this was the least funky orange wine I’ve ever tried. I do love the funky ones, but this felt like such a refreshing treat. Will likely pick up another bottle or two. — 4 years ago
Really good classic orange wine from Italy. Very tangy. Could be funkier but also I had a cold when I drank it. A tad pricey. — 5 years ago
NW. Really enjoyed this Sicilian wine - very enjoyable with prawn thermidor. — 6 months ago
Salty apricot. Kind of chuggable.
— 9 months ago
chalk and citrus — 3 years ago
Sea salt, marine brine, volcanic ash mm mm — 3 years ago
Super cool easy drinking. Italian mountain summer cheese wine. Crisp apple field grass and ripe hard cheese in the nose. Taste has a bit more apple cider with pecorino and melon. Domestique wine clue June 2022 — 4 years ago
Golden delicious apples, citrus, stones, soft tannins and medium plus acidity. Better than it’s been. — 9 months ago
Angela chose this over Moscofilero. Has the depth of an orange wine but not as acidic. More grounded and earthy. — a year ago
About 50/50 Perracone and Nero d'Avola.
Dark violet. Red currant and sour pie cherries, some dried fruit leather aspect to the fruit.
A bit more structured, but still very fine grained an approachable. From higher elevation vineyards that contributes to finesse. — 4 years ago
Aldi: Solide, unaufgeregt, geht immer — 5 years ago
Jeremy Shanker
Sommelier at RN74
Awesome Sicilian white. Love Arianna’s wines. — a month ago