A Family That Shaped Sicily’s Wine Identity
Pellegrino’s influence reaches far beyond Marsala. With 150 hectares of vineyards and three solar‑powered wineries, the family has championed Sicily’s indigenous grapes and unique terroirs for more than a century. Their work spans the saline coastal vineyards of Marsala, the inland heat of Gazzarotta, the cooler, elevated Kelbi estate and the extreme desert‑like terrain of Rinazzo. They have also invested heavily in Pantelleria, the volcanic island famed for its ancient Zibibbo vines grown in UNESCO‑protected “conca” hollows. Today, Pellegrino is responsible for around 80% of the island’s grape production and is considered one of Italy’s leading producers of Passito di Pantelleria.
A Style Rooted in Tradition, Terroir and Innovation
Across their range, Pellegrino wines balance authenticity with modern craftsmanship. Their Marsala remains a benchmark for quality, produced in a wide spectrum of styles from Oro and Ambra to rare vintage bottlings. Their unfortified wines showcase Sicily’s native varieties with clarity and freshness, while their Pantelleria sweet wines are among the most revered in Italy. Whether fortified, dry or sweet, Pellegrino wines express the richness of Sicilian culture and the family’s unwavering commitment to the land.
The Identity of Pellegrino
Pellegrino stands as one of Sicily’s great wine dynasties, a family that has shaped the island’s reputation through Marsala, championed indigenous varieties and preserved ancient traditions on Pantelleria. From the fortified depth of Marsala to the aromatic brightness of Diantha and Gibele and the rich, sun‑drenched character of Passimora, their wines reflect a unique combination of heritage, innovation and deep respect for the land. Each bottle carries the story of a family that has helped define Sicilian wine for nearly 150 years.
Pellegrino Wines
Marsala is the wine that built Pellegrino’s legacy. First fortified by English merchants in the 18th century, it became Sicily’s most famous export. Pellegrino has been central to its revival, producing high‑quality aged, blended and vintage Marsala from indigenous grapes. Expect flavours of dried fruit, caramel, nuts and warm spice, shaped by long ageing in oak. Their range includes everything from elegant dry styles to richer, more opulent expressions, each reflecting the depth and heritage of this historic wine.
Passimora Nero d’Avola
Passimora is a rich, expressive Nero d’Avola made using a gentle appassimento technique, where grapes are partially dried on the vine to intensify flavour. The wine bursts with dark cherry, plum, pomegranate and sweet spice, supported by soft tannins and a warm, velvety texture. It captures the sun‑soaked character of western Sicily while remaining balanced and approachable.
Diantha is an aromatic, vibrant white that blends Zibibbo with other native varieties to create a wine full of floral lift, citrus, peach and Mediterranean herbs. Fresh, expressive and gently perfumed, it reflects the coastal influence of Marsala and the family’s expertise with aromatic grapes. It is a joyful, summery wine with real Sicilian charm.
Gibele is a pure expression of Zibibbo, crafted as a dry, aromatic white rather than a sweet wine. It offers notes of jasmine, citrus peel, white peach and wild herbs, with a crisp, refreshing palate and a clean, mineral finish. It showcases the versatility of Zibibbo and the elegance it can achieve when grown in Sicily’s coastal vineyards.