Grillo

Grillo
Grape (Vitis)
Grillo grapes on the island of Mozia
Color of berry skin	Blanc
Species	Vitis vinifera
Also called	Riddu
Origin	Italy

Grillo, also known as Riddu and Rossese bianco, is a white Italian wine grape variety which withstands high temperatures and is widely used in Sicilian wine-making and, in particular, for making Marsala. Its origins are uncertain, but it may have been introduced into the island of Sicily from Apulia. It was already widely planted in the Province of Trapani by 1897; today it may be grown throughout Sicily and also in the Aeolian Islands.

It is also found growing around the commune of Riomaggiore in the province of La Spezia in Liguria, where the grape is known as Rossese bianco.

Although this grape has had a long association with Marsala, in recent years it has become widely used in such DOC wines as

100% Grillo IGT wines are also produced, although blending with for example Chardonnay is also common.