Winery of the Month – OCTOBER 2019
Tasca d’Almerita Winery

For October we are traveling south to Sicily and Tasca d’Almerita.  The winery’s story begins in 1830 when the Tosca brothers purchased 1200 hectares in the Regaleali region of Sicily.  The “Tasca Villa” came into the family as a dowry when one of the brothers married into the Lanza family in 1840.  The mid 1800’s saw the family win several accommodations for farming and wine making.  In the late 1800’s the vineyards were devastated by Phyloxera.  In response they created a vineyard nursery at the Villa Camastra.  Thanks to this nursery they were able to replant their vineyards with vines grafted onto American rootstocks.  1950 sees the agricultural reforms that shrinks the property to its current 500 hectares. 

The oldest of their current vineyards was replanted in 1954.  The flagship white blend “Regaleali” makes its debut in 1960.  The winery continues to develop new areas and introduces some international varieties throughout the 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s.  In 2012 Tasca d’Almerita is given the winery of the year from Gambero Rosso, the Italian wine magazine.  Today they are in a trial program called SOStain.  This program is seeking new ways to farm and live sustainably.  Now with the eight generation of the family in control everything appears to be poised to continue for several more generations.

Regaleali Bianco

This is the classic wine from this estate.  A blend of Inzolia, Grecanico, Catarratto, and touch of Chardonnay.  The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel so no trees were harmed in its making.  The wine is clean and crisp with bright citrus flavors.
Regularly $14.99  Sale $10.99

Regaleali Nero d’Avola

This wine has a long history, having been made for the last 62 harvests.  Here we have the more fruit forward example of Nero.  Bright red cherry dominate the palate with a little black pepper on the finish.  The wine is soft and medium bodied making easy to drink now, maybe to easy.
Regularly $14.99  Sale $10.99

Grillo

This is a prototypical Grillo that tends toward nice honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromatics with some citrus and peach on the palate.  It is a mediumish bodied wine with a bright and refreshing finish.  Here is your chance to taste a Grillo if you never have. 
Regularly $19.99  Sale $14.99

Lamuri

The grapes for this wine come from higher elevation than the Regaleali.  Brambly black fruit dominate but there is a little of the fresh red cherry.  The tannins are more present here as well as a hint of vanilla from a brief stay in oak.
Regularly $19.99  Sale $14.99

Perricone

Perricone’s are a great medium plus bodied wine with firm tannins.  They tend towards dark fruit with plum being a common descriptor.  You also taste some spicy Sicilian herbs and some light baking spices.  This is a great introduction to a grape that most have never heard of.
Regularly $21.99  Sale $16.99