Located high above the Mediterranean Sea with vineyards planted between 400-500 meters a.s.l., the Baglio di Grisì (BAH-YL’EE-oh dee gree-ZEE) estate and winery was founded in the 1930s by one of Sicily’s fine wine pioneers, Dr. Mario Di Lorenzo. Renowned for its production of what many consider to be some of the best olive oil produced in Italy today, the property also makes some of the island’s most coveted wines. Dr. Di Lorenzo became a true visionary when, after decades of experimentation with a wide variety of grape varieties, he realized that international grapes like Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon could perform exceedingly well when grown in the area’s Monreale DOC. With soils rich in clay and calcareous limestone and high-altitude vineyards that benefit from diurnal temperature shifts and natural ventilation that keep the fruit healthy and extend ripening times, he found that he was able to make wines with nuanced aromas and flavors, intense minerality, and wonderful freshness. Although unknown to many beyond Italian wine trade insiders, the Monreale appellation is home to some of Sicily’s most highly rated wines. Its success is owed in great part to Dr. Di Lorenzo’s vision and deft hand as a winemaker.