About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

The fruit comes from vineyards in Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia at elevations of 75–450 m above sea level. The soils vary between sites but are consistently rich in limestone, organic matter and clay. Yields are limited to 1.7 kg per vine.

Grapes

The blend comprises 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Vinification

For the 2018 vintage, the grapes were harvested from 3 to 18 September. They were hand-picked into 15 kg crates, taken directly to the winery, crushed and destemmed. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks for 6–8 days. The temperature was maintained at 15–16 °C initially, increased to 20–22 °C during the second stage and reached 26–27 °C toward the end. The must received very short pump-overs lasting 10–15 minutes at least twice daily, with the frequency adjusted to the stage of fermentation. Post-fermentation maceration lasted 12–15 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was decanted and racked off its lees.

Ageing

The wine matured for 16 months in French Allier oak barrels. The 2018 vintage was bottled in July 2020.

Vintage notes

An exceptionally dry winter in Menfi initially raised concerns that 2018 would resemble the drought-affected 2017 vintage. Rain in February was followed by a mild spring and an ideal beginning to summer, with temperatures cooler than usual. Later rainfall was sometimes very heavy, but the harvest proceeded in good weather and lasted almost a month. The grapes were healthy, producing wines that were particularly aromatic and balanced, though less intense and concentrated than those of 2017.