Caruso & Minini Bio Sicilia IGT Perricone 2017

Perricone was once amongst the most important grape varieties native to Sicily. It did not survive post-Phylloxera era very well, due to difficulties of grafting. Now, it bear occupies over 1% of area under vines on the island.  The variety today is often associated with Contea di Sclafani DOC which includes vineyards in the Caltanissetta and Agrigento provinces.

Other vineyards scattered across central and west Sicily would also have some plantings. Much of the wine’s production is consumed locally, which makes it a relatively rare find overseas.

Caruso & Minini winery sprawls across 120 hectares of vineyards nestled in the picturesque Trapani hills, caressed by the gentle Mediterranean breeze. Much of the earth under vines are composed of hinterland soil, calcareous-clayey and rich in small stones, protects the roots from excessive heat and is conducive to limited productivity, not exceeding 80 quintals per hectare. Despite that Perricone had never been the focus, this variety never lost its ground here.

The Perricone fruits were hand-harvested, which is carried out over the last part of September. Maceration and fermentation steps require at least 15 days at approximately 25 degrees, followed by the maturation taking 6 months in steel tanks and an other 6 months in the bottle. This red wine discloses an enveloping bouquet rich in red fruit, mixed with the typical note of liquorice expressed by Perricone vine. As the wine ages, more complex dried herb and spice notes reveal, overshadows its fruitiness. Aroma like sage, clove and dried thyme.