Marabino Rosso Di Contrada 2017

Sourced from four different parcels and a mixed range of soil types, fermented whole cluster, with the intent of doing an "infusion" style with very little extraction. Maceration is long and slow, over 2 weeks, to respect the fruit and give longer structure to the tannins. Aging has been in large 60 hl barrels for a bit over a year, though they are thinking about using some stainless steel in the future, as oak brings out more sweetness and they are after the saltiness of Nero D'Avola and of the soils of Sicily.

Each of the four parcels are vinified separately and then blended after malo-lactic fermentation, with minimal added sulfites before bottling (total 26mg/l SO2).  As for how it tasted, the wine was ethereal, with vibrant black cherry fruit and fine, elegant tannins. A wine to spend some time with, and likely one that will improve nicely in the next 5 years.