| Type | White |
|---|---|
| Grapes | 100% Insolia (Inzolia) |
| Soil | Medium texture; dark; naturally rich in humus |
| Serving temp. | 10-12°C |
| Style | Delicate, mineral, refined Sicilian white |
| Food pairing | Grilled or steamed fish; fresh cheeses; delicate vegetable dishes; oysters |
Euphrasia is the Insolia white of Tenute Cuffaro — a wine named with the formality and grace of a different era, and carrying a character that lives up to the dignity of the name. Insolia — also written as Inzolia — is one of the great indigenous white varieties of western Sicily, less widely known internationally than Grillo or Catarratto but arguably the most delicately expressive of the three in the right hands and the right conditions.
On the Scala dei Turchi plateau, sheltered by hills and enjoying the natural ventilation and ideal sun exposure that characterise the Cuffaro estate, the Insolia grape develops a particular aromatic precision that is the direct result of the microclimate and the organically managed, humus-rich soil. The estate's commitment to combining traditional artisan philosophy with modern practicality — including organic green manure fertilisation — ensures that the vines receive what they need without the interference of synthetic inputs that would compromise the purity of the fruit.
In the glass, Euphrasia presents with a golden yellow colour of warmth and depth, with greenish reflections that speak of freshness preserved through careful vinification. The bouquet is one of the most complex in the estate's white wine range: notes of white peach, exotic fruits, broom flowers and blossom, with the mineral nuances that the plateau's particular soil reliably contributes. It is a nose of genuine refinement — not the exuberant fruitiness of the Giovanni Catarratto, but something quieter, more considered, and ultimately more intriguing.
On the palate, the wine is fresh, fragrant, and savoury — qualities that make it one of the most versatile food wines in the portfolio. Its structure is good and its finish is clean and persistent. Euphrasia belongs naturally alongside fish prepared with simplicity — grilled, steamed, or dressed with olive oil and lemon — and equally alongside fresh cheeses and delicate vegetable preparations. It is a wine of quiet distinction.
Available through UniqueWines.
