Winemaker Notes
Feudo Principi di Butera is a state-of-the-art winery situated in the south-eastern part of the Province of Caltanissetta in Sicily and is part of the DOC district of Riesi. The estate is approximately two hours from the city of Palermo, and has a total of 320 hectares, 170 of which are under vine, as well as 3,000 olive trees. Butera is a historical estate, which once belonged to noble families, such as Sicily’s first prince Ambrogio Branciforte. The Prince resided there beginning in the year 1543. More recently, the Zonin family acquired and restored the estate in 1997 after conducting thorough research on the best-suited areas in Sicily for vineyard cultivation. After years of meticulous work the estate has been restored to its original splendor, and its ancient watchtower now offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. Its proximity to the sea, optimal elevation, abundance of sunlight, and rich soil and hilly terrain, provide the ideal conditions to yield outstanding wines. Butera is steeped in the rich patchwork of history, tradition and extraordinary wines of Sicily.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.
