Alto Nero d’Avola represents the newest release from Tenuta Rapitala. This single vineyard wine is an elegant expression of Sicily’s most important grape.
Terroir: Alto is sourced from a single high altitude vineyard on a 12 acre parcel of Rapitala’s 500+ acres estate. The vineyard lies between at a high elevation of 1,300 to 1,700 feet and is planted to 10 year old cordon-spur trained Nero d’Avola vines. The terrain is dry and steep forcing the vines to dig deep into the barren soil.
Vinification: Fruit is hand harvested and brought to the cellars in small crates to avoid disturbing the ripe grapes. The must is macerated and vinified entirely in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Following racking the young wine is transferred to 3+ year old French oak barriques where it will rest for five months before another racking and an additional 7 months in larger oak casks. The goal is a slow and delicate aging to tame the the aggressive nature of the Nero d’Avola grape.
The 2010 Rapitala Alto is a terroir-driven Nero d’Avola with a concentrated typicity seen its deep, ruby color, a generous bouquet of ripe red fruits and vanilla, and a full, round, delicious flavor with a spicy, red-fruit finish. Serve with lasagne, roasts and red meats also accompanied by delicate sauces; creamy cheeses, flans and soufflés. It is also enjoyable on its own or with exotic pairings.
Author: Monica Larner
Date: Friday, March 1, 2013
“Notes of bold black fruit, prune, tobacco and toasted almond open the rich bouquet of this dense wine. Creamy and soft on the finish, this would pair well with roasts of chicken or pork.”
Score: 89
