LLS Portfolio Book

“Cavallo delle Fate” Grillo Sicilia DOC Grillo, which translates as “cricket,” is a historical Sicilian grape variety. The Grillo grape was made famous internationally through the production of Marsala wine, but it is also capable of producing dry wines of incredible depth. At Tenuta Regaleali, in western Sicilia, Grillo has been cultivated for years. For this wine, Tasca d’Almerita harvests their Grillo vines at different periods to retain freshness and also lend structure that will carry the wine through extended bottle age.

“Antisa” Catarratto Sicilia Contea di Sclafani DOC The word “antisa” refers to the sense of hopeful anticipation that surrounds the production of this wine each year. Although Catarratto is the most ancient and, at one time, was considered to the most “common” grape in western Sicily, the variety is now becoming rare as vintners favor other, more profitable, varietals. However, with the vines that source this wine planted at nearly 3,000 feet elevation, Antisa Catarratto makes an impression that is anything but common. Fermented in stainless steel, this wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, but it does stay 4 months on the lees.

“Nozze d’Oro” Contea di Sclafani DOC For his golden wedding anniversary, or “nozze d’oro” in Italian, founder Count Giuseppe Tasca created an innovative blend of indigenous Inzolia and Sauvignon Tasca. The fresh and lovely profile of Nozze d’Oro was so well-received that he decided to continue its production. The blending percentages now vary but the dedication remains the same: “To my wife Franca, with immense love.”

Chardonnay Contea de Sclafani DOC Tasca d’Almerita’s Chardonnay was bottled as Sicilia DOC for the first time in the 2012 vintage. Chardonnay cuttings from Burgundy were first brought to Siciliy’s Tenuta Regaleali in the mid 1980’s where they were planted in the calcerious, mixed sand-clay soils of the San Francesco vineyard at more than 1,700 feet above sea level. With traditional fermentation in barrel, Tasca d’Almerita Chardonnay Sicilia DOC from the San Francesco vineyard shows the substance that a prestigious international varietal can achieve in a distinctly Mediterranean terroir.

“Regaleali Le Rose” Rosato Terre Siciliane IGT Thousands of roses, brought in from all over the world, thrive on the Regaleali estate. The name of this wine has changed to reflect these incredible flowers. Unchanged, however, are the Nerello Mascalese grapes which give Le Rose its class and elegant fragrance. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and partially macerated with the skins of Nero D’Avola. Le Rose is also refined for three months in stainless steel tanks. It is ready to be enjoyed immediately upon release. Regaleali is the name of the estate, which comes from the Arabic, “Rahal-ali,” or House of Ali.

WINES OF SOUTHERN ITALY

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