About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The Nero d’Avola and Nocera vines grow at La Baronia on the Capo Milazzo promontory, a short distance from the sea, at an altitude of 40 m. The loose, dark and deep soil is alluvial in origin, predominantly rich in silt and containing a moderate amount of granite. A 50–60 cm layer of mixed volcanic ash, carried from Etna by the wind, lies within its profile.
The vines are trained on espaliers with spurred-cordon pruning, supplemented by alberello supports. The vineyard is managed under organic and SOStain® criteria. Barley, vetch, oats and wildflowers provide ground cover, increasing organic matter and nitrogen while supporting the soil’s microfauna. Vine health is maintained with small quantities of sulphur and copper. Beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used to discourage pests.
Grapes
60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Nocera.
Ageing
The wine matures for 12 months in 25 hl casks.
Tasting profile
The colour is an intense, brilliant red with violet reflections. The nose combines pronounced scents of Mediterranean macchia with blue fruit and jam. The palate has dense yet measured tannins, well integrated with the wood.
Label / history
Mamertino takes its name from an ancient denomination associated with the Mamertini, who produced the wine at Mylae, present-day Milazzo. It was described by Pliny and appreciated by Julius Caesar. The first vintage was 2013.
The vineyard land belongs to Fondazione Barone Lucifero. Part of the income from the wine supports the foundation’s social, cultural and assistance programmes for local children at La Baronia.