Previous Page  122 / 137 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 122 / 137 Next Page
Page Background

WINES OF SOUTHERN ITALY

113

“Cavallo delle Fate” Grillo Sicilia DOC

Grillo, which translates as “cricket,” is a historical Sicilian grape variety. The Grillo grape was made

famous internationally through the production of Marsala wine, but it is also capable of producing dry

wines of incredible depth. At Tenuta Regaleali, in western Sicilia, Grillo has been cultivated for years. For

this wine, Tasca d’Almerita harvests their Grillo vines at different periods to retain freshness and also

lend structure that will carry the wine through extended bottle age.

“Leone d’Almerita” Terre Siciliane IGT

Named after Tasca d’Almerita’s coat of arms, Leone is a superbly crafted blend of Catarratto, Pinot

Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewurztraminer. To preserve its fresh and fruit-forward character, the

grapes are cool-fermented in stainless steel.

“Nozze d’Oro” Contea di Sclafani DOC

For his golden wedding anniversary, or “nozze d’oro” in Italian, founder Count Giuseppe Tasca created

an innovative blend of indigenous Inzolia and Sauvignon Tasca. The fresh and lovely profile of Nozze

d’Oro was so well-received that he decided to continue its production. The blending percentages now

vary but the dedication remains the same: “To my wife Franca, with immense love.”

Chardonnay Contea de Sclafani DOC

Tasca d’Almerita’s Chardonnay was bottled as Sicilia DOC for the first time in the 2012 vintage.

Chardonnay cuttings from Burgundy were first brought to Siciliy’s Tenuta Regaleali in the mid 1980’s

where they were planted in the calcerious, mixed sand-clay soils of the San Francesco vineyard at more

than 1,700 feet above sea level. With traditional fermentation in barrel, Tasca d’Almerita Chardonnay

Sicilia DOC from the San Francesco vineyard shows the substance that a prestigious international

varietal can achieve in a distinctly Mediterranean terroir.

“Regaleali Le Rose” Rosato Terre Siciliane IGT

Thousands of roses, brought in from all over the world, thrive on the Regaleali estate. The name of this

wine has changed to reflect these incredible flowers. Unchanged, however, are the Nerello Mascalese

grapes which give Le Rose its class and elegant fragrance. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel

tanks and partially macerated with the skins of Nero D’Avola. Le Rose is also refined for three months

in stainless steel tanks. It is ready to be enjoyed immediately upon release. Regaleali is the name of the

estate, which comes from the Arabic, “Rahal-ali,” or House of Ali.