Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Caeles Nero d’Avola comes from organically farmed vineyards at the Dàgala Borromeo Estate in the Trapani countryside. The hilly site lies at 310 metres above sea level with a south-westerly exposure. Its medium-textured soil tends toward clay; the estate description further characterises it as loamy clay rich in stones.
Spontaneous ground cover is maintained between the vines and cut regularly. This practice helps limit erosion and supports vineyard biodiversity. Natural agents and microorganisms replace herbicides, while spontaneous vegetation supplies nutrients and provides habitat for beneficial insects. Vineyard management also includes site-and-variety selection, targeted plant-health treatments, control of vine vigour, reuse of pruning residues where particular nutritional needs arise, and efficient water-distribution systems.
Grapes
100% Nero d’Avola, cultivated under certified organic farming practices.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand during the first ten days of September. Traditional red-wine vinification takes place in stainless-steel tanks.
Ageing
The wine matures for three months in second- and third-use French oak barriques, which contributes a spicy dimension.
Tasting profile
The colour is intense red with violet highlights. The bouquet combines fresh floral and red-fruit tones with plum, blackberry, black cherry and blueberry, followed by cloves, black pepper, liquorice, dark chocolate, humus and a suggestion of leather. The palate opens softly and seductively, balancing acidity with rounded, sweet tannins. It has good body, a distinct personality and an expressive yet approachable structure. Persistence is good, leading to a fruit-driven finish.
Vintage notes
The 2020 growing season began with above-average temperatures in January and February, followed by limited rainfall from May through September. Budbreak advanced slightly and leaf growth was reduced through flowering. Yields fell, especially among white varieties, by approximately 30%. Summer heat and reduced average bunch weight nevertheless concentrated sugars, polyphenols and aromatic compounds; vine development remained healthy, and the vintage achieved notable balance and quality.
The 2016 season was mild. Winter rainfall was about 40% below 2015 levels, spring remained cool, and summer brought occasional rain without extreme heat. Approximately 80–90 mm of rain fell in May. Phenological development, particularly flowering, proceeded well. Production was about 10% below 2015, while quality increased. The resulting wine was ruby red, broad and complex, with red-fruit and toasted-spice notes and particularly soft, delicate tannins.
In 2015, a rainy winter was followed by a dry, moderately windy spring and favourable summer. Nero d’Avola completed its vegetative cycle under good conditions, producing a structured red with elegant tannins and moderate alcohol.
The 2013 season delivered both quantity and quality. Climatic conditions prolonged harvesting until the final week of September, encouraging slow, gradual ripening; the recorded harvest date for this wine was 8 September.
