Cultivated in Sicily since the 1800s, the Grillo grape variety is also known as Riddu and is said to be the result of a cross between Catarratto and Zibibbo. It is particularly common in the Trapani area, but it can also be found in the provinces of Palermo and Agrigento. Having expanded rapidly, by the 1930s it accounted for 60% of the total area of the island planted with vines.
It is a robust grape variety and is produced in large quantities. The leaf is of medium to large size, the bunch has a conical shape and the grapes are medium to large in size.
Made into a varietal wine, the Grillo grape produces savoury, fragrant wines with a good ageing potential.
It is usually straw yellow in colour, with floral notes and distinct hints of citrus fruits.