Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Merlot comes from one of the company's oldest vineyards, in the commune of Niscemi, Sicily. The vineyard stands on sandy soils at 100 m above sea level and faces southwest. Abundant sunshine and moderate rainfall give a classic Mediterranean climate, which keeps rot and mould from developing on the grapes. Coastal breezes ease temperature swings and ventilate the vines. Only organic viticulture is used, with no chemicals or herbicides.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand in the last week of August. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine is aged for 10 months in barriques, 50% new and 50% second-fill. After bottling it rests a further 8 months in the winery's cellar.
Tasting profile
Dry red with a powerful structure and plenty of elegance.
Label / history
The label was created by one of Italy's leading fashion houses. Part of the proceeds from sales goes to charity. The wine belongs to the Feudi del Pisciotto line of the Domini Castellare di Castellina group. The winery lies 7 km from the sea, between Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina, and can process up to 10 000 hl. Old and new cellars are both used for ageing, and must and wine are moved by gravity. The estate has 40 ha of vineyards planted with local varieties (from Nero d'Avola to Frappato) and international ones, including Merlot and Cabernet.
