Zibibbo

Also known as Moscato di Alessandria, Muscat of Alexandria.

Zibibbo is the Sicilian name for Muscat of Alexandria, one of the oldest and most aromatic members of the Muscat family, most famously grown on the island of Pantelleria in the Strait of Sicily. The name derives from the Arabic 'zibib' (raisin), reflecting its long use as a drying grape. On Pantelleria the low bush vines (alberello pantesco) are grown in hollows to shelter them from the wind, a viticultural practice recognised by UNESCO.

Intensely aromatic, it is the grape of Passito di Pantelleria and Moscato di Pantelleria, giving sweet wines of dried apricot, honey, orange peel, candied citrus and floral Muscat perfume, as well as some dry and sparkling styles. Its powerful aromatics and sugar-accumulating capacity make it ideal for passito and fortified wines.