Tasca d'Almerita

Rosso del Conte Contea di Sclafani DOC 2007

Wine Description

In the late 1960's, founder Count Giuseppe Tasca decided to create a special reserve of Regaleali Rosso.  He wanted to make a truly Sicilian wine that could age like the great international reds, such as Cabernet and Merlot. After selecting the fruit from the best parcels, and experimenting with careful oak treatment (something unheard of in Sicily at that time), Rosso del Conte was born. Today, Rosso del Conte still stands as a revered icon among Sicilian reds and continues to be made from the very best selections of the old vine estate vineyards.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-red with garnet reflections, this wine offers enticing aromas of Marasca cherries, along with walnut husks, vanilla, mint, sage and tobacco. A rich, well-structured red with a silky mouth-feel and a concentration of flavors that culminates in a lingering, satisfying finish. Pair with hearty meals based on steak, pork or lamb, cassoulet, rich stews and aged cheeses.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: The San Lucio, Cordicella, Girato, Rossi, Cozzo Ginestre and Piana Gelso vineyards
Size of vineyard (acres): 61
Soil composition: Calcareous clay
Training method: Espalier and Alberello
Elevation (feet): 1,550
Vines/acre: 1,600
Yield/acre (tons): 2.4
Exposure: Southeastern
Year vineyard planted: 1959-2002
Agronomist/Vineyard manager: Gianfranco Lombardo

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 95% Nero d'Avola and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Harvest time: September-October
Winemaking consultant: Carlo Ferrini
First vintage of this wine: 1970
Number bottles produced of this wine: 35,000
Fermentation
Fermentation container: Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation (days): 9
Fermentation temperature (°F): 82
Maceration technique: Pumpover and delestage
Length of maceration (days): 20
Aging
Aging container: Barriques
Size of aging container: 225 L
Age of aging container: New
Cooperage: French oak: Allier and Troncais
Length of aging before bottling: 18 months
Length of bottle aging: 12 months
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH level: 3.5
Residual sugar (grams/liter): 3.2
Acidity (grams/liter): 6.6
Dry extract (grams/liter): 34.4

Reviews

Quarterly Review of Wines - Spring 2007
Aglianico, Anyone?
"The large, family-owned estate that produces Regaleali has been a leader in Sicilian winemaking longer than most of us can remember. All the wines are good, but the famous Riserva Rosso del Conte is exceptional."
Southern Italy's Best