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2017 Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese “Lato Sud”

Grottafumata
Discount Eligible $45.00
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The most full-bodied of this trio of reds but still in the welterweight category, this is the inaugural vintage for this very serious and to-be-watched-closely azienda on the “south side” of the Mount Etna volcano in Sicily. Walking their incredible vineyard, a 45-degree slope of pure lava rock with vines clinging to the rubble, inspired my imagination of what this land could produce. Wonderfully, the wine itself did not disappoint afterward, perfectly translating this incredible site overlooking the Mediterranean far below. The tannins are present but particularly silky for Nerello, the stoniness and smokiness are palpable, the aromas sumptuous. Don’t miss their white from the same site, a ravishing, honeyed beauty with an equally strong sense of place.

Dixon Brooke


Technical Information
Wine Type: red
Vintage: 2017
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: 90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Nerello Cappuccio
Appellation: IGT Terre Siciliane
Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Producer: Grottafumata
Vineyard: 1.4 ha total, 40-100 years
Soil: Volcanic
Farming: Sustainable
Alcohol: 13.5%

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About The Region

Sicily

map of Sicily

Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.

While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.

Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.

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Kermit inspecting wine barrels

For the wines that I buy I insist that the winemaker leave them whole, intact. I go into the cellars now and select specific barrels or cuvées, and I request that they be bottled without stripping them with filters or other devices. This means that many of our wines will arrive with a smudge of sediment and will throw a more important deposit as time goes by, It also means the wine will taste better.