About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the Patti Piccolo vineyard in the commune of Alcamo. The vines grow on northwest-facing hillsides at 300–350 metres above sea level. Planted in 2005 at a density of 5,200 plants per hectare, they are farmed organically with restricted yields to encourage concentration of aroma and flavour.
Grapes
The grapes are carefully selected.
Vinification
The grapes reach full ripeness at the end of September and are harvested entirely by hand. They are taken directly to the winery, gently pressed and macerated on their skins for 10 days. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks at 24–26 °C for 10 days.
Ageing
The wine rests in steel tanks for six months, followed by one month in wooden barrels.
Tasting profile
The aroma is spicy and led by berries. The palate is rich, deep and elegant.
Label / history
Il Manto means “the cloak” in Italian. The name refers to Ruggero II, ruler of Palermo at the end of the 12th century, whose precious garments were embroidered with rubies and other fine stones. He spent his childhood in Palermo, where his tutors taught him Greek, Latin and Arabic. The label features a strip of the monarch’s cloak, linking the softness and enveloping delicacy of fabric with the luxury and nobility associated with rubies.
