Tasca d'Almerita is a winery that has been producing some of the finest wines in Sicily for over two centuries. They are a family-owned business with several vineyards throughout the region that allow them to craft a diverse range of wines with distinct flavor profiles. One of the most exceptional wines produced by Tasca d'Almerita is Tenuta Tascante Ghiaia Nera. This wine is made from the Nerello Mascalese grape, which is grown on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The result is a deep, ruby-colored wine with a complex aroma of berries, spice, and earthy notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a perfect balance of acidity, tannins, and fruit. It is an excellent pairing for grilled meats, pasta dishes, and strong cheeses.

Tasting Notes

This wine is our take on the Nerello Mascalese from young vineyards. There are terraces, surrounded by chestnut and downy oak groves, a typical biodiversity that gives the wines their personality. Soft tannins, good drinkability and freshness. Aged in large oak barrels, an ideal and non- invasive wood for Nerello Mascalese.

About the Winery

The history of the Italian wine estate Tasca d’Almerita’s history dates back to 1830. In this year, the brothers, Lucio and Carmelo Mastrogiovanni Tasca purchased 1200 hectares of area located in the Regaleali Contrada in Sicily. The brothers introduced novel agricultural technologies in this farm, as a result of which, it was named a “model farm” of those times. In the 1890s, the vineyards of Tasca family witnessed a huge destruction because of the phylloxera pandemic. Therefore, a nursery was created at Villa Camastra to graft grapevines on healthy soils.

The year 1901 saw a huge development for the brothers, as they created the Camastra using the indigenous varietals of Catarratto and Inzolia, along with the blends of Sauternes. By 1950, the farm was restructured and its 1200-hectare area was reduced to 500 hectares. Within four years, the family planted its first vineyard, San Lucio, where the brothers planted Nero d’Avola varietals. In 1960, the label created its first white wine, the Regaleali white, which continues to be the flagship wine of the brand to date. This wine is made from a blend of Inzolia, Catarratto and Greganico varietals.

By the early 1970s, Lucio Tasca planted four international varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc) on the family estate. In 2001, the brothers’ search for supreme wine-producing land ended when they set up the Capofaro Malvasia and Resort in the Salina Island. The winemaking of all grapes from the Mozio Island also came under the responsibility of this group by 2007.

In 2016, the Tasca family expanded the Tascante project by setting up another winery and vineyard in Marchesa. Currently, Tasca d’Almerita wines are produced from grapes grown in the five fertile Sicilian estates, namely, Regaleali, Capofaro, Tascante, Whitaker, and Sallier de La Tour.

https://www.tascadalmerita.it/en/wines/tascante

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