Sicily, Italy
IGP Terre Siciliane
100% Nerello Mascalese from the organically farmed, historic family vineyards of the Di Giovannas in Contessa Entellina, western Sicily. This variety, typical of Etna, was introduced to Sambuca di Sicilia in 1968 by Aurelio Di Giovanna, father of Gunther and Klaus. After more than fifty years, the family continues to produce Nerello Mascalese on their estates in Miccina, Paradiso and Gerbino. The dry, breezy climate and soil rich in minerals has an intoxicating effect on the grapes. The wine is aged for 18 months in stainless steel tanks with a relatively small production of just 15000 bottles per year.
A delicious mix of fruity and savoury elements are expressed through dried black cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, smoke, white pepper, rose petals and a hint of spiciness. Very complex but very light and elegant, venturing into the ethereal. Fine, persistent tannins with structured minerality and acidity leading through a long, complex finish but somehow still retaining its lightness and freshness. This is pretty spectacular stuff from a family with the most intimate knowledge of this grape varietal and how to express it.
Try with red sauce dishes, roasted pork, marinated grilled tuna/swordfish, game meat charcuterie or roasted vegetables in herbs and spices.