About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the Contessa Entellina estate and surrounding areas in south-western Sicily. Vineyards occupy rolling terrain at 200–400 m above sea level. The loamy-clay soils are sub-alkaline, with pH 7.5–7.9, contain 20–35% total limestone and are rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and zinc.
Winters are mild, while summers are dry and breezy with substantial day–night temperature differences. Vines are vertically trained and spur-cordon pruned, leaving six buds per plant. Planting density ranges from 4,500 to 5,700 vines per hectare, with yields of approximately 40–50 quintals per hectare.
Grapes
Nero d’Avola, Petit Verdot and Syrah; proportions are not specified.
Vinification
The 2021 grapes were hand-harvested into crates and selected in the vineyard. Syrah and Nero d’Avola were picked from late August through early September as the individual parcels reached maturity; Petit Verdot was harvested on 6 September. At the winery, bunches were selected again on a vibrating table, then destemmed with equipment capable of rejecting green and overripe berries. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at 28–30°C, with approximately 14 days of skin maceration.
Ageing
Twelve months in new French-oak barriques sourced from leading cooperages, with fine or extra-fine grain and predominantly medium toast. The wine then spent almost two years in bottle.
Technical data
2021: 14% alcohol by volume; total acidity 5.2 g/L; pH 3.66. First vintage: 1995. Ageing potential exceeds 20 years.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red. The broad bouquet combines black mulberry and plum with black pepper, liquorice, delicate mint and refined cocoa-bean nuances. Deep and enveloping on the palate, with velvety tannins and a long, seductive finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18°C in large glasses; the bottle may be opened a couple of hours in advance. Pair with roasted or braised meats, pasta with ragù and rack of lamb, or try it with richly flavoured stewed fish.
Vintage notes
Contessa Entellina received 615 mm of rain during the 2021 season, slightly below the local average of 645 mm. Rain was concentrated in winter and spring was dry, while flowering and fruit set proceeded regularly. Production matched the estate average and the grapes achieved the intended quality.
Label / history
The label’s palace was inspired by the residence where Queen Maria Carolina took refuge after fleeing Naples, later a favourite home of writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa in Santa Margherita Belìce. Gabriella Anca Rallo set its image beneath a star-filled “Mille e una Notte” sky as a tribute to the classic collection of Eastern tales.
