Wednesday, May 09, 2018
SINGLE ESTATE SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = Ficuzza, Piana degli Albanesi (PA). EXPOSURE = South-east. AVERAGE AGE OF VINES = 15 years. CULTIVATION = Vines grown in hills at a density of 4500 plants per hectare. PRODUCTION = 7500 kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, in the first ten days of September. VINIFICATION = Cold pressing with skins and first fermentation at a temperature of 8 C for around 12 hours, soft second pressing. Cold decanting and fermentation at a temperature of 18-20 C, period on the lees in stainless steel containers at least 4 months, and successive fining in the bottle. COLOUR = Light straw yellow. BOUQUET = Intense bouquet, fruity finish with apple smell and white flowers. FLAVOUR = Fresh and balanced taste with the smell of white fruits, harmonious and pleasant. RECOMMENDED WITH = Fish dishes, white meats and young cheeses. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 10 12 degrees C. GRAPE: 100% INSOLIA 91 Points James Suckling James Comments = Bright and fun with dried lemon, apple and salt aromas and flavour. Medium body, good density and a flavourful finish. Drink now. 2016 Insolia IGT 13.0% Alc
TERRITORIAL ESTATE SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = Monte Pietroso and Marchesa, Monreale (PA). EXPOSURE = North. AVERAGE AGE OF THE VINES = 6 years. CULTIVATION = Espallier, at a density of 5000 plants per hectare. PRODUCTION = 7500 Kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, first half of September. VINIFICATION = Cold pressing with skins for 5 hours at 14 C, pneumatic pressing, cold decanting, fermentation at 18-20 C, period in stainless steel containers on the fine lees for 4 months and successive fining in the bottle. COLOUR = Straw yellow. BOUQUET = Aromas of sliced green mango, hints of flowers, lemon peel and lavender. FLAVOUR = Full bodied, bright acidity and a long mineral finish. Lots of peach characters in the finish. RECOMMENDED WITH = Most seafood dished and white meats. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 10 12 degrees C. GRAPE: 100% GRILLO 92 Points James Suckling 2017 James Comments = Peach and sliced green apple with hints of lemon follow through to a medium body, plenty of good fruit and a clean finish. Grillo is one of the most fun whites from Sicily. Drink now. 2016 Shamaris Grillo IGT 13.0% Alc
SINGLE ESTATE SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = San Giacomo, Butera (CL). EXPOSURE = South, south-east. AVERAGE AGE OF VINES = 14 years. CULTIVATION = Espallier, at a density of 5000 plants per hectare. PRODUCTION = 7000 kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, in the first ten days of September. VINIFICATION = De-stemming, cold maceration on the skins for two days at 5 C, fermentation at 26-28 C with frequent re-circulation and removal of the must. Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, and a period in contact with the fine lees of at least 5 months. Successive fining in the bottle. COLOUR = Deep red colour with violet reflexes. BOUQUET = Vinous with pleasant scents of undergrowth fruit and red berry, aromatic. FLAVOUR = Harmonious and rounded, vinous, elegant and concentrated red, ripe fruit, pronounced character. RECOMMENDED WITH = Hors-dóeuvre, appetizers, especially of sliced salame and ham, excellent for all type of Italian pasta, meats and moderately aged cheeses. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 18 20 degrees C. GRAPE: 100% NERO DÁVOLA 91 Points James Suckling James Comments = Blueberry cake and mulberries are the main attraction on the nose here in addition to bark and ivy. Medium to full body, grainy tannins and a fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now. 2016 Nero DÁvola IGT 13.5% Alc
TERRITORIAL ESTATE SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = Tenuta Presti e Pegni, Alcamo (TP). EXPOSURE Nero d Avola to the south, Syrah to the south-east. AVERAGE AGE OF VINES = Nero d Avola 15 years, Syrah 10 years. CULTIVATION = Espallier, at a density of 5000 plants per hectare for the Nero D Avola and 5000 plants per hectare for the Syrah. PRODUCTION = 6000 kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, Nero d Avola in the first ten days of September, Syrah in the last ten days of August. VINIFICATION = Elimination of stalks and fermentation in contact with skins etc for two days at 7 C, fermentation at 26-28 C with frequent re-circulation and removal of the must, malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, and successive fining, 80% in steel and 20% in 20 hectolitre barrels. COLOUR = Deep ruby red. BOUQUET = Intense ruby red wine with violet reflexes. A winy scent and a very noticeable smell of blackberry and raspberry jam. FLAVOUR = A tempting, warm taste with little fruits which penetrate your taste buds. RECOMMENDED WITH = All red meat dishes, or pasta dishes with meat sauce. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 18 20 degrees C. GRAPE: 70% NERO DÁVOLA 30% SYRAH 2014 Benuara IGT 14.5% Alc
TERRITORIAL ESTATE SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = Tenuta Presti e Pregni, Alcamo (TP). EXPOSURE = Nero d Avola to the south, Merlot to the southeast, Cabernet Sauvignon to the south, south-east. AVERAGE AGE OF VINES = 15 years. CULTIVATION = Espallier, at a density of 5000 plants per hectare. PRODUCTION = 5000 kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, in the first ten days of September. VINIFICATION = Elimination of stalks and fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28-30 C for 10 to 15 days. Malolactic fermentation in barriques and fining in the same for 12 months, with successive fining in the bottle. COLOUR = An impenetrable garnet red colour. BOUQUET = A full, rich perfume of jam, cocoa, spices and liquorice. FLAVOUR = A full bodied taste with sweet tannins which make this a rich, long lasting wine, with hints of liquorice and spices which linger in your mouth. RECOMMENDED WITH = Rich red meat dishes, ragu, game, venison. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 18 20 degrees C. GRAPE: 40% NERO DÁVOLA 30% MERLOT 30% CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 Noa DOC 15.0% Alc
CASTIGLIONE DI SICILY ITALY ALTA MORA SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = Milo, contrada Praino south side exposure. Castiglione di Sicilia, contrada Verzella. AVERAGE AGE OF VINES = 15 years. CULTIVATION = Espallier, at a density of 6,500 plants per hectare. PRODUCTION = 6500 kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, second decade of October. VINIFICATION = Light pneumatic pressing, static decanting and racking. Fermentation between 18 20 Degrees C, period in stainless steel containers on the fine lees for 4 months and successive fining in bottles. COLOUR = Brilliant bright yellow. BOUQUET = Aromas of lemongrass, melon, pear, peach blossom and a light herb note. FLAVOUR = There s a nice mineral note on the palate along with green apple and loads of citrus. RECOMMENDED WITH = Shellfisk courses, raw fish, medium seasoned cheeses, vegetarian risotto and white meat. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 8 10 degrees C. GRAPE: 100% CARRICANTE a native Sicilian grape, set at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. 93 Points James Suckling 2017 James Comments = Beautiful density of fruit that opens up to layers of dried apple, lemon and other citrus aromas. Full body, layered and gorgeous. Complex at the end. 2016 Etna Bianco DOC 13% Alc
CASTIGLIONE DI SICILY ITALY ALTA MORA SERIES ZONE OF PRODUCTION = Castiglione di Sicilia, in the contrada Verzella, Pietramarina and Feudo di Mezzo. AVERAGE AGE OF VINES = 20 years. CULTIVATION = Free standing and espalier. PRODUCTION = 7000 kg of grapes per hectare. GRAPE HARVEST = Manual, second decade of October. VINIFICATION = Manual harvest in cases, light pressing and destemming, maceration at 28 degrees C for 12 days. Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel containers and successive fining in barrels of 25hl. COLOUR = Ruby red. BOUQUET = A balanced and fruity red with delicate strawberry, dried cherry and flowers. FLAVOUR = Full to medium bodied with fine tannins and a juicy finish. RECOMMENDED WITH = Beef carpaccio, grilled tuna, caponata, roast beef, cold meats and etna porcini mushrooms. SERVING TEMPERATURE = 10 12 degrees C. GRAPE: 100% NERELLO MASCALESE a native Sicilian grape, trained in espalier and free standing in 12 hectares of vineyards set at an altitude of 600 / 800 meters above sea level. 94 Points Wine Enthusiast 94 Points Guida Essenziale ai Vini dítalia 2017 93 Points James Suckling 91 Points Falstaff Magazine Top 100 Wine List Wine Enthusiast 2016 2 Bicchieri Rossi Vini dítalia Gambero Rosso 2017 2014 Etna Rosso DOC 14% Alc