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RedMenfi D.O.C.

Plumbago

by Ulmo · Sicily, Italy

TypeRed
AppellationMenfi D.O.C.
Grapes100% Nero d’Avola
VineyardOld vineyard around Lago Arancio; Dispensa and Ulmo vineyards near Sambuca di Sicilia (AG).
LineMenfi – Ulmo
Vintages2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 are represented in the published awards.

About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

Plumbago comes from an old vineyard surrounding Lago Arancio, with Dispensa and Ulmo identified as its vineyards. The site is near Sambuca di Sicilia in the province of Agrigento.

At Ulmo, the vines stand at 195 m above sea level on moderately deep, medium-textured soils. Pebbles become abundant at depth, while darker patches contain plant matter; the soils are moderately calcareous. Dispensa lies at 75 m, with moderately deep soils tending toward chalk, very little structure and an average lime content.

The vines are trained on espalier with spurred-cordon pruning. Cultivation follows organic-farming principles and the SOStain® protocol. Cover crops—including beans, vetch and spontaneous plants—supply organic matter and nitrogen and support soil microfauna. Vine health is managed with minimal sulphur and copper, while beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used against pests.

Grapes

100% Nero d’Avola. The wine is intended to express the variety in a soft, fruit-led style.

Tasting profile

The colour is a deep violet-purple. Ripe plum and wild blackberry dominate the bouquet, accompanied by incense, jasmine and black-truffle nuances. The varied tannin texture combines soft, sweet and seductive sensations reminiscent of Sacher cake with firmer, more direct and austere notes likened to Modica chocolate. Rounded tannins and well-integrated wood contribute to its immediately approachable character.

Label / history

First produced in 2008, Plumbago takes its name from a violet-coloured wildflower growing in the woods around the Ulmo baglio and vineyards.