A Tale of Heritage and Innovation: The Wines of Badalucco De La Iglesia Garcia
Meeting Pierpaolo Badalucco in Amsterdam was a unique experience, marked by the privilege of tasting his pre-Marsala wine. Our connection deepened over his fond memories of Scotland, where he spent his formative years living and working. This shared bond revealed the depth of his character and passion for wine.
Pierpaolo, a Sicilian, and his Spanish wife, Beatriz De La Iglesia Garcia, returned to Sicily to steward the family vineyards in Petrosino, near Marsala. Together, they embarked on an ambitious venture: the Dos Tierras project, which combines the rich traditions of their respective heritages. This initiative integrates Sicilian and Spanish grape varieties, grown alongside almond trees, local fruit, and indigenous plants, fostering biodiversity and sustainability.
Their winemaking process reflects an artisanal ethos. Grapes are handpicked, de-stemmed, foot-pressed, and bottled without filtration. The resulting wines are both a celebration of cultural union and a testament to natural craftsmanship.
A Marriage of Terroirs
The wines are symbolic of Beatriz and Pierpaolo’s union, blending Sicilian and Spanish varietals. Dos Tierras and Temprano feature a harmonious mix of Sicily’s Nero d’Avola and Spain’s Tempranillo from La Rioja. The 2014 Dos Tierras vintage offers a balance of fruitiness with pronounced red notes of black pepper, while the 2015 vintage delights with soft oak, cherry, and chocolate undertones. Another standout is the Grillo Verde, an orange wine made from Sicily’s Grillo and Spain’s Verdejo grapes, offering a truly unique tasting experience.
Reviving Tradition: A Nod to Marsala’s History
The history of Marsala wine dates back to the late 18th century when English trader John Woodhouse discovered the local perpetuo, a fortified wine made with the finest grapes and aged in wooden casks. Inspired by this legacy, Pierpaolo seeks to revive and innovate upon this tradition, crafting pre-British-style wines that celebrate Sicily’s ancestral winemaking practices.
These wines are rare and evolving treasures, embodying a blend of history, personal memories, and modern creativity. Pierpaolo’s vision transcends the ordinary, bringing forth unique expressions of Sicilian and Spanish heritage in every bottle.
For more about their journey and wines, visit vinibadalucco.it.