About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Nocera comes from La Baronia at Milazzo, in the province of Messina. The vineyard lies 40 m above sea level, surrounded by the Mediterranean and very old olive trees, with five of the seven Aeolian Islands visible on the horizon. The deep, loose and dark soils are alluvial in origin, generally very silty and moderately granitic, with a 50–60 cm layer containing volcanic ash carried by the wind from Etna.
The vineyard is planted at 5,050 vines per hectare and trained to espalier with cordon-spur pruning. The 2024 yield was 72 quintals per hectare, equivalent to 7.2 tonnes per hectare.
Cultivation follows organic-agriculture criteria and SOStain® protocols. Barley, vetch, oats and wildflowers provide ground cover, increasing organic matter and nitrogen while supporting soil microfauna. Vine health is managed with small quantities of sulphur and copper. Beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used against pests.
Grapes
100% Nocera, an old Sicilian variety now cultivated on only a small area around Messina.
Vinification
The 2024 grapes were harvested by hand on 30–31 August into 15–17 kg crates. At the winery they were selected manually and destemmed. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks, with ten days of skin contact and a temperature reaching 25 °C. Manual cap work and pump-overs continued throughout fermentation. The wine was then racked after gentle pressing and completed malolactic fermentation in stainless steel.
Ageing
Maturation took place in stainless-steel tanks. Bottling was scheduled for August 2025 in 750 ml bottles weighing 400 g and closed with single-piece natural corks.
Technical data
- Alcohol: 12.5% vol.
- Total acidity: 5.75 g/L
- pH: 3.48
- Certified organic wine; SOStain®
Tasting profile
Deep, intense ruby reflections introduce aromas of Mediterranean scrub, myrtle and garrigue, followed by white pepper, geranium, summer fruit, prunes and ripe figs from Noto. The palate is mellow and soft, a characteristic expression of Nocera. Although both the vines and the winemaking experience with the variety remain young, the wine retains the variety’s distinctive character.
Serving and pairing
The wine may be enjoyed immediately or aged for five to seven years.
Vintage notes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published composition: 100% Nocera.
Label / history
La Baronia stands on land owned by the Fondazione Barone Lucifero. Part of the income from wine sales supports the foundation’s social, cultural and welfare work for local children at La Baronia. The first vintage was 2015.