Ribeca by Firriato tells the story of a successful gamble by a winery that knew how to listen to the land, bringing back to life an extraordinary grape variety that was at risk of disappearing forever from the world of wine. We are talking about Perricone. We are in the Agro di Trapani, an area of western Sicily where the land breathes in the Mediterranean breeze. Here, the climate is blessed with intense sunshine, while cool night-time temperature swings give the grapes a welcome freshness. This territory imparts an energetic and sun-filled character to the wine. A true concentration of Sicilian identity. Made from 100% Perricone, this historic native grape variety was once widespread before being largely abandoned due to its challenging nature in the vineyard. Carefully selected by Firriato’s viticultural team, it gives rise to a red wine of remarkable personality. The grapes are harvested by hand into small crates to ensure they remain perfectly intact. Vinification follows a traditional red-wine approach at controlled temperature. After malolactic fermentation, the wine enters its crucial ageing phase. It spends 12 months in French oak barriques and completes its journey with at least a further 12 months of bottle ageing before being released onto the market. In the glass, it reveals a deep, dark ruby colour enhanced by striking violet reflections. On the nose, vibrant aromas of blackberry, plum and morello cherry emerge immediately, followed by darker nuances of liquorice, ginger, cloves and juniper berries. On the palate, the wine is warm, sumptuous and enveloping. The tannins are of rare elegance, fresh and vibrant, giving extraordinary dynamism to a fruit profile that is both energetic and ambitious. The finish is long and perfectly consistent with the aromas perceived on the nose. It pairs beautifully with roast leg of lamb or, for a truly local match, traditional Sicilian meat rolls.