Isabella Guasconi

Ta’ Betta Wine Estates is a boutique family-run winery in Girgenti, on the outskirts of Siġġiewi, Malta, founded by Astrid and Juanito Camilleri in 2002. The estate extends over around four hectares of terraced land, where the first vines were planted in 2003 and the first wines were produced in 2006. Ta’ Betta focuses on small-scale, premium wines with strong ageing potential and a clear expression of its Maltese terroir. An interesting detail is that the estate was named after the founders’ daughter, Bettina, while its logo depicts a girl reaching toward a vine.

Inspired by Isabella Guasconi, the young love-daughter of Grand Master de Valette, known for her exceptional beauty and whose murder at the hands of her jealous husband, was the cause of Jean Parisot de Valette’s own demise from a broken heart. Isabella Guasconi DOK Malta Superior Syrah Rosé 2020, uncharacteristically clad in a dark and mysterious bottle with crimson and black lace, projects the sophistication of a beautiful Mediterranean signora.

Its nose suggests ethereal earl grey and rose petal notes followed by a persistent candy drive with a dash of mixed spice. The wine’s dry palate confirms its aromatic nose resting on top of a zippy freshness, fleshy weight and lingering notes of juicy watermelon with hints of pomegranate and strawberry jam and a splash of Turkish delight.