2019 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore “Capovolto”La Marca di San Michele
Italy | Le Marche
$27
Producers
Anthony highlighted our relatively new Etna grower Grottafumata last month in this brochure in our “Looking Forward” segment. Here is another young estate in Solicchiata on the northeastern slopes of the volcano called Vigneti Vecchio, named after winegrower Carmelo Vecchio (and yes, they have a lot of old vines), that is another up-and-coming address to watch carefully. With the type of cuisine we like to cook at our home—many times simple, rustic Italian—I find myself reaching for this red often. It is medium-bodied, not too heavy and not too light, with beautiful aromatics, a silky texture, and an earthy grit from the lava in which it is planted.
—Dixon Brooke
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% indigenous varieties (Minnella, Inzolia, Carricante, Grecanico, Catarratto, Malvasia) |
Appellation: | Etna |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sicily |
Producer: | Vigneti Vecchio |
Winemaker: | Carmelo Vecchio |
Vineyard: | 1.5 ha total, 50 to 130 years old |
Soil: | Volcanic |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 14.2% |
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily | Etna Rosso
Carmelo Vecchio and his wife, Rosa La Guzza, did not come from afar to make wine on Etna: they are true locals, raised in the heart of the vineyards. Carmelo began working at the nearby Passopisciaro winery at a young age, and after fifteen years of hands-on experience, the time came to strike out on his own. From barely one hectare of vines up to 130 years old inherited from Rosa’s family, the couple took matters into their own hands: sustainable farming by hand, with the goal of achieving an elegant balance in the grapes; micro-vinifications in the tiny cellar beneath their home, with respect for tradition and terroir; and aging the wines in used barrels before bottling without fining or filtration.
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.
Portelli Italy | Sicily | Vittoria Frappato
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily | Etna Rosso
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily | Etna Rosso
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
We only import wine we drink and enjoy ourselves, directly from the source.
Our wine tastes the same in your home as it did where it was bottled in Europe.
Like the long-term relationships we build with growers, we build long-term relationships with our clients. Have a question? Need wine advice? Just give us a call—510-524-1524.
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa