Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Merlot vines grow on steep hillsides in the municipalities of Butera and Riesi, in the province of Caltanissetta. The vineyards receive abundant southern sunshine, while breezes from the nearby sea moderate the midday heat. The estate covers 320 hectares, of which 180 hectares are planted with young vines.
Vinification
Fermentation lasts two weeks in upright vats at a controlled temperature of 30 °C.
Ageing
The wine matures for 12 months: half in 350-litre tonneaux and half in 60-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks. Further maturation takes place in bottle.
Label / history
The estate formerly belonged to the aristocratic Branciforte and Lanza di Scalea dynasties. Ambrogio Branciforte, appointed the first Sicilian viceroy in 1543, was granted the title of Prince of Butera by King Philip II of Spain. The title and land passed to Girolamo Lanza in 1895. The Zonin family acquired Feudo Principi di Butera in 1997.
