“Il Tascante” Nerello Mascalese Sicilia IGT 2014

Tasca d'Almerita | Cantina Tascante | Sicily
Conte Tasca d'Almerita Soc. Agr. a.r.l. | Via dei Fiori 13 | IT 90129 Palermo

19033514 · 0,75 l · 37,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping10 units available

This wine is no longer available. When Tasca d'Almerita discovered Etna in the mid-2000s and founded Tenuta Tascante, Il Tascante was the first answer to the question of what Nerello Mascalese could achieve on this volcano. Over time, the project grew and branched out into individual contrade – Sciaranuova, Rampante, Pianodario – and the original entry-level wine disappeared from the current range.

All that remains are the last few bottles. A rarity in the truest sense of the word. The grapes come from the Contrada Sciaranova, on the north-eastern flank of the volcano, from vines that were already over 50 years old when this vintage was produced. At an altitude of 700 to 750 metres, with black volcanic soils and dry stone walls enclosing the old vineyards. Hand-harvested, carefully selected, traditional red wine fermentation at 25 to 30°C over eight days, full malolactic fermentation, followed by 18 months' ageing before bottling. 2014 was a cool, rainy vintage: a damp spring that favoured good vegetative development, a mild summer with sufficient rainfall for consistent, slow ripening. Not a year of abundance, but of precision.

A brilliant ruby red. The bouquet offers notes of blue flowers, rose, wild berries and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is elegantly structured, with lively acidity, raspberry compote, juicy cherry and star anise, accompanied by firm, polished tannins and a hint of flint on the finish. Austere and elegant at the same time – just like the volcano from which it originates: disruptive, yet never overpowering. SUPERIORE.DE

"Red plums, blueberry tea, lavender and sour cherries open up on the nose. Medium-bodied, with delicate tannins and a fruity finish." James Suckling

"Enticing aromas of blue flowers, roses, wild berries and Mediterranean herbs unfold in the glass. On the palate, which is elegantly structured, a bright acidity accompanies raspberry compote, juicy cherry and star anise, alongside firm, polished tannins. A mineral note with a hint of flint lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2014 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese Il Tascante from Tascante reveals two distinct sides. On the one hand, it displays a light-hearted and delicate character with wild berries, cassis and rose petals. On the other hand, the wine goes far beyond its primary aromas, revealing more complex layers of cola, sulphur and hints of graphite. There are also subtle notes of balsamic spice and leather. The finish concludes with a firm astringency that could benefit from further years of bottle ageing." Wine Advocate