91pts Falstaff: The Story Behind Sicily’s “Horse of the Fairies”

91pts Falstaff: The Story Behind Sicily’s “Horse of the Fairies”
Tenuta Regaleali Cavallo delle Fate Grillo 2025
Sicilia, Italy | 100% Grillo | 13% ABV
Drink now–2028

The story behind the name

There’s a good reason this Sicilian Grillo has such a curious name.

Cavallo delle Fate translates to “Horse of the Fairies,” a reference to the grillo, or cricket, and an old bit of Sicilian folklore that associated the little insect with good luck and the fairies it carried on its back.

But there’s more to the wine than a great name.

At Tenuta Regaleali, Grillo is grown at 480 meters, nearly 1,600 feet above sea level, on the hills beside Case Vecchie. That elevation helps preserve the grape’s natural freshness and acidity.

Tasca d’Almerita also harvests the grapes at different stages of ripeness. The earlier-picked fruit brings freshness and mineral character, while the later harvest contributes body and structure. The two are blended together and aged for four months on the lees.

The result is a Grillo with considerably more dimension than you might expect: citrus and green apple, subtle savory notes, refreshing acidity, mineral character and a lightly salty finish. When we tasted it we knew immediately we'd be featuring it on the flash with exuberance! 

91 Points - Falstaff

The 2025 vintage earned 91 points from Falstaff, with notes of green apple, lemon zest and licorice, followed by a juicy, refreshing palate and a salty finish.

A very Sicilian pairing

Grillo has a natural affinity for the flavors of Sicily; lemon, olive oil, herbs, and seafood. Grilled swordfish is one of the classic pairings for the grape, and we found a recipe that brings those flavors together beautifully.

Try the Cavallo delle Fate with Lemon-Marinated Swordfish with Parsley, Beets & Pistachio from Wines of Sicily. The swordfish is marinated with lemon, olive oil, garlic and oregano, grilled, and served with parsley, red onion, beets and pistachios.

The citrus and herbs echo the wine’s freshness, while the swordfish, olive oil and pistachios complement its texture and saline character.

Get the recipe: Lemon-Marinated Swordfish with Parsley, Beets & Pistachio

A little Grillo history

Grillo is one of Sicily’s signature white grapes and has an interesting history of its own. The variety is a natural crossing of Catarratto and Zibibbo (Moscato d’Alessandria) and was historically important to the production of Marsala.

Today, Tasca d’Almerita is showing what Grillo can do as a dry, estate-grown white; fresh, mineral, textured and distinctly Sicilian.

A high-elevation Grillo from one of Sicily’s historic estates, with 91 points and a story worth knowing.