“Rosso del Conte” Sicilia Contea di Sclafani DOC 2017 · 6 bottles in OWC

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

19033317 · 4,5 l · 54,22 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available

2017 was a year of drought in Sicily. Little rain, high temperatures, a yield of just 67 double centners per hectare – significantly below what San Lucio usually produces in more balanced years. The vines, accustomed for decades to this barren, calcareous soil, weathered the drought with the serenity of old Alberello vines. The blend for this vintage returns closely to the original proportions of 1959: 58% Nero d'Avola, 42% Perricone. Hand-harvested at 480 metres, south-southeast exposure, traditional fermentation in stainless steel, 20 days' maceration, 18 months in new French barriques made from Allier and Tronçais oak.

Ruby red with purple highlights. On the nose, ripe wild berries, balsamic herbs, tobacco and oriental spices. A Rosso del Conte of concentrated, compact power – the echo of a hot summer. SUPERIORE.DE

"This iconic Sicilian wine is made from Nero d'Avola (58%) and Perricone (42%) and comes from the eight-hectare San Lucio vineyard. The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2017 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte is easily recognisable in a blind tasting thanks to its characteristic aromas of blackcurrants, olives, aniseed and burnt earth. The wine transports you straight to beautiful Sicily, in the heart of the Mediterranean." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Rosso del Conte captivates with an outburst of citrus fruits, black cherries and grilled herbs, accompanied by a hint of cedarwood and undergrowth. It is racy and supple, with a wave of tart wild berries and mineral notes carried by a core of lively acidity. Towards the finish, firm tannins come into play. The 2017 finishes long and persistent with a rich, primary concentration. Notes of medicinal blackberries, liquorice and cocoa linger for up to a minute. The length alone is impressive, but the 2017 will need more time to fully integrate. Nevertheless, I look forward to tasting it again in four to five years." Vinous

"This historic single-vineyard blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone from 2017 is dusty, earthy and woody, with a depth of dark fruit and hints of lavender and violets. On the palate, it is intense, ripe and spicy, combining the sweetness of dried cherries with wild strawberries and black cherries. The balsamic freshness contrasts with the powerful yet fine-grained tannins, whilst the finish is very bright and salty, with a hint of raspberry. Outstanding." Decanter

"A traditional blend based on Nero d'Avola Perricone and vines that yield just a few grams, a concentrate of intensity and history. On the nose, cherries preserved in alcohol, menthol notes and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is dense and full-bodied, with a fruity, menthol-tinged finish." Luca Gardini

"An elegantly luminous ruby red with a delicately lighter rim. An exciting and inviting nose of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries and a hint of elderberries, followed by mint and sage, with a subtle hint of iron. Compact on the palate with tightly woven, salty tannins; it unfolds superbly, with a slightly resinous, fruity undertone, full of finesse and with a long finish." Falstaff