Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria, is a white grape variety with a variety of aromas and flavours. It is most commonly grown in Sicily, where it has been a popular grape variety since the 12th century.
Zibibbo has a greenish yellow colour, with an intense aroma of rose, honeysuckle, peach, apricot and orange. Its taste is sweet and intense, with hints of tropical fruits and citrus.
Zibibbo is mainly grown in Sicily. The variety is known by many other synonyms in the Mediterranean countries where it grows, such as Greece, Spain, Australia, etc. Zibibbo is a vigorous variety and needs to be carefully pruned to prevent overproduction. It is best suited to warm climates and is prone to bunch rot and mildew. It is often blended with other varieties, such as Grillo, Moscato Bianco and Catarratto, to create a complex and aromatic wine. In Sicily, Zibibbo is most commonly used to make a fortified wine called Marsala. It is also used to make sweet, sparkling, and still wines. In Greece, it is used to make a sweet, sparkling wine called Commandaria. In Spain, it is used to make a sweet and fortified wine called Malaga. Zibibbo's sweetness makes it a great match for spicy foods and rich desserts. It also pairs well with soft cheeses and fruit-based desserts.
As an an anecdote, Zibibbo's name derived from the Arabic word 'zabīb', which means dried grapes or raisins.