Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Merlot is grown in vineyards in the commune of Butera. The soils consist mainly of white marl, with areas of clay and siliceous sandstone that encourage a broad range of fruit aromas. Planting density is 5,400 vines per hectare.
The estate’s vineyards extend across 320 hectares in the province of Caltanissetta, on hills exposed to warm southern sunshine and cooled by strong breezes from the nearby sea. Of this area, 180 hectares are planted with young vines.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand and taken directly to the winery. Fermentation takes place in neutral vessels at 30 °C for approximately two weeks.
Ageing
The wine matures for 12 months, divided equally between 350-litre French oak barrels and 60-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks. It then rests in bottle for several additional months before release.
Tasting profile
Complex and balanced, with a broad range of fruit aromas.
Label / history
The estate once belonged to the aristocratic Branciforte and Lanza di Scalea dynasties. Ambrogio Branciforte, appointed the first Sicilian viceroy in 1543, received the title of Prince of Butera from King Philip II of Spain. The title and lands passed to Girolamo Lanza in 1895. The Zonin family acquired Feudo Principi di Butera in 1997.
Calat Merlot received a bronze award at the 2004 Decanter World Wine Awards.
