Santa Anastasia Passomaggio 2002
Winemaker Notes
-Wines & Spirits
Red wine made from Sicilian Nero d'Avola grapes which are used with a small quantity of Merlot, overripened in the hot Sicilian sun. After a period of fermentation, it develops in wood that rounds out its noble tannins while preserving the original fragrance and the primary bouquet. A "supple" wine, rich and balanced, that has a long life.
In the quarter of a century that has elapsed since Lena purchased the vast property (1980), an extraordinary team of agronomists and wine technicians, orchestrated by Lena himself with winemaker Riccardo Cotarella, has succeeded in crafting some of the new icons of Sicilian oenology from elevated, Guyot-trained vines and superb terroir.
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.