Bolina (2022) - La Vela

In the heart of Sicily, among the gentle hills of Marsala, stands the La Vela winery, a place where winemaking tradition is interwoven with fascinating stories. One of them concerns Bolina, a Grillo that carries the wind and the sea of its homeland. The name "Bolina" is said to come from an old sailing technique used by Sicilian seafarers to make the most of the mistral winds. Just like those sailors, La Vela has managed to navigate the challenges of time, making a wine that pays tribute to resilience and to the art of seizing the right moment.

Bolina (2022) - La Vela

Bolina (2022) - La Vela

Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne

Area: Italy, Sicily, Marsala

Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT

Grape variety: Grillo

Vintage: 2022

Winery: La Vela

Alcohol: 12.5%

The appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT

Terre Siciliane IGT is an appellation covering the whole of Sicily, offering an extraordinary variety of wines that represent the heart and soul of this land rich in winemaking tradition. Introduced in 2011, this Indicazione Geografica Tipica allows producers to use a wide range of grape varieties, both native and international, ensuring creative freedom and a deep connection with the land.

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What to eat with Bolina

Who makes it: La Vela

La Vela is a winery in the heart of Sicily, in Marsala, a place renowned for its winemaking tradition. This estate stands out for its dedication to making wines that express the Sicilian terroir at its best, in particular under the Terre Siciliane IGT appellation. La Vela combines traditional and innovative methods, creating wines that tell stories of passion and commitment.

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The vine of Bolina

Grillo

Grillo is a white grape variety indigenous to western Sicily, famous as one of the grapes traditionally used to produce Marsala DOC, but increasingly valued in dry versions as a single variety too. In recent decades it has gained new standing thanks to producers who have brought out its aromatic elegance, structure and ageing potential, making it one of the most representative and versatile Sicilian whites.

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Bolina: the Marsala area

Marsala

Marsala

Marsala, located in the province of Trapani, in Sicily, is one of the most renowned wine areas in Italy, famous for the production of the iconic Marsala wine. This region, looking out over the Mediterranean Sea, combines a hot, sunny climate with limestone and clay soils, creating ideal conditions for viticulture. Marsala is a fortified wine of ancient tradition, appreciated the world over for its complexity and versatility, both in the kitchen and as a wine for contemplation.

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Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Bolina

Primary aromas: White flowers, White fruit

Secondary aromas: Bread crust, Yeast

Tertiary aromas: Honey

Tasting notes: A sparkling wine made by the traditional method, with notes of fresh fruit and a pleasant effervescence.

Sulphitesyes
BodyLively
AcidityMedium-high
TanninAbsent
SweetnessBrut
FinishMedia
ColourGolden yellow
ClarityClear

Winemaking methods used for Bolina

Metodo Classico

The Metodo Classico is a refined sparkling winemaking technique used to produce high-quality sparkling wines. This method, also known as méthode champenoise (when speaking of Champagne), involves a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its characteristic fine, persistent bubbles, together with complex aromas and an elegant structure.

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Ageing methods used for Bolina

In bottle (7–18 months)

Ageing in bottle for a period of between 7 and 18 months represents an intermediate stage of maturation, ideal for those wines that have already completed their ageing in wood, stainless steel or concrete, and that need further time to achieve full harmony and stability before being released. During this period, the wine develops slowly in the absence of oxygen, refining its structure, aromatic balance and softness on the palate.

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Time on the lees for Bolina

  • Medium (7–18 months)