Pellegrino

Everything started in 1880, when notary Paolo Pellegrino, a passionate winemaker, founded the winery that became one of the most important in Sicily. The vision that pushed him to make a dream come true was motivated mostly by his love for the wine of Marsala.

However, it was the gentlewoman Josephine Despagne, wife of Carlo Pellegrino and daughter of the French wine technician Oscar Pierre Despagne from Sauternes, who took charge of the company management and changed the fame of the estate. A total countertrend for the times: a woman at the helm of a winery. The presence of women in the Pellegrino business has continued to be crucial, now represented by 5th and 6th generation Caterina, Paola, Maria Chiara and Laura.

Since 1880, Pellegrino has cultivated indigenous grape varieties, representing one of the historical institutions of the entire island. Their vineyards grow in the most western strip of Sicily, in the Marsala area, characterized by a large variety of microclimates and terroirs.

Their claim to fame is to be one of the original families to produce Marsala wine since 1880.

150 hectares of land, with a unique terroir. The “paleo” beaches with sandy-clayish soil mix and the salt mines of Marsala. Very dry, hot weather. These fields are home to several indigenous grapes: Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto, Moscato (aka Zibibbo), Nero d’Avola, Frappato, plus some international grapes of recent introduction.