In this episode of the newly rebooted The Wines of Italy Show, we travel—virtually—to the windswept coast of southwestern Sicily to explore Sicilian wine and the history, culture, and wines of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi, a unique, women-led winery located in the heart of a WWF nature reserve near Mazara del Vallo. I welcomed Marilena Leta, Marketing & Communications Manager for the family estate, to share the story of four generations of winemakers, ancient terroir, and the evolution of Sicilian wine.
Marilena explained that the estate’s history dates back to the early 1900s, when the sisters’ great-grandparents bought land in this area known for the best grapes for Marsala production. Their matriarch, Dora, was a remarkable woman for her time: she managed vineyard workers and supervised grape quality, roles that were rare for women. Today, her descendants, sisters Anna Maria and Clara Sala, uphold this legacy by leading Tenuta Gorghi Tondi with the same gentle strength and dedication to the land.
“At Gorghi Tondi, nature isn’t a backdrop—it’s the heart of every wine we make.”
says Marilena Leta
For decades, the family sold grapes to the historic Pellegrino winery in Marsala. Around 2000, a new vision took shape. Sisters Annamaria and Clara, representing the fourth generation, turned the estate into an independent winery called Gorghi Tondi, named after the area’s unique circular karst lakes known as gorghi. Much of the property is part of a protected natural oasis spanning 350 hectares and managed by the WWF since 1998, with 35 hectares of vineyards farmed organically.
Marilena describes how the terroir influences their Sicilian wines: ancient limestone soils from a prehistoric seabed, persistent sea breezes, significant day-night temperature changes, and the characteristic Mediterranean salinity that imparts freshness and minerality. Classic Sicilian varieties like Grillo, Catarratto, and Zibibbo flourish here, resulting in Sicilian wines with clarity, texture, and vibrant aromatics.
The discussion moves into a tasting of three wines: Midor Sicilia Doc, Rajàh Zibibbo Sicilia Doc, and Kheirè Grillo Riserva Sicilia Doc, each tied to the family’s identity, regional history, and ancient traditions in Sicily. Midor, a stainless-steel Catarratto aged on the lees, captures the jasmine, citrus, and maritime character of the coast. Rajàh, a dry Zibibbo fermented partly in amphora, highlights the grape’s Arabian origins and the cultural mosaic of nearby Mazzara del Vallo. Meanwhile, Kheirè—a Grillo Riserva—represents the grape’s versatility, blending steel and oak to create a wine that can age gracefully for more than a decade.
“Zibibbo is more than a grape; it’s a bridge between cultures in Mazara del Vallo.”
says Marilena Leta
The conversation expands to the evolution of Sicilian wine. Marilena reflects on how producers today blend heritage with innovation, responding to global markets and younger drinkers seeking authenticity, sustainability, and approachability. The trend toward fresher styles, lower alcohol, and terroir-driven wines is reshaping the island’s identity.
Finally, Marilena describes the wine tourism experiences at the estate—guided walks through the nature reserve, tastings, pairings, and the local gastronomy of Mazzara del Vallo, especially the legendary red prawns that pair beautifully with their dry Zibibbo.
Highlights
00:00–01:30 — Introduction to the rebooted Wines of Italy Show
01:30–03:00 — Marilena introduces herself and the women-run family winery
03:00–05:00 — The history of the estate and origins in Marsala production
05:00–07:30 — The nature reserve, the gorghi, and organic certification
07:30–10:00 — Terroir: limestone soils, fossils, and sea influence
10:00–12:30 — Key native grapes: Grillo, Catarratto, Zibibbo
18:00–23:00 — Discussion of the wines Midor, Rajàh, and Kheirè
36:00–39:30 — How Sicilian wine is evolving culturally and commercially
39:30–44:30 — Wine tourism and experiences at Gorghi Tondi
44:30–47:00 — Local food pairings (especially with Zibibbo)
47:00–50:00 — Closing thoughts and upcoming episodes
