It's hard to believe that Sicily, as an island, produces more wine than the whole of Australia! Much of it was of dubious quality and used in the distillation of spirits and was generally considered to be unfashionable. That was until about the mid 1990's when the now famous Planeta family started to attract attention and indeed respect, and almost single handidly dragged the entire industry out of the doldrums with them.

Now there is an abundence of top producers and although their premium wines attract premium prices, quality can be found at all levels, particularly with everyday drinking wines, providing real bang for your buck! The Montalto is a perfect example of this, transplanting the Pinot Grigio grape from its home of Veneto to the hotter climes of Sicily.

First established in 1991 by Martini, Gabb & Mack (MGM), they now have vineyards stretching from Piedmont, in the north, all the way to Sicily. Though the grapes are grown in Sicily, they are then quickly transported north to where MGM's own team of winemakers can have total control over the winemaking process.

Their Pinot Grigio has a little more alcohol and body than Venetian Grigio's due to the higher temperatures here, yet nevertheless, it exhibits all the crisp, snappy pear and peach flavours you would expect, yet finishes with a gorgeous 'sherbety bite'. Quite delicious!

Food Match: fish, pork, veal.