Today we are sipping four wines from Tasca d’Almerita’s Tenuta Regaleali. It is difficult to decide which qualities I appreciate most in these wines. All four are made using varieties indigenous to Sicily and all are 100% varietal wines. These wines are extremely versatile and will take you from summertime sipping all the way into winter. Then there is the history of the Regaleali estate that dates back to 1830 and remains in the Tasca family. And all of these wines, which we received as tasting samples, retail for under $25.
The Regaleali estate originally covered nearly 3000 acres and focused mainly on general farming with grapes comprising only a small portion of farming activities. In 1950 the estate was reduced to a little over 1200 acres due to agricultural reform in Italy.
Vineyards cover rolling hills in this remote part of central Sicily located between Palermo and Caltanissetta. Daytime temperatures are very warm in the growing season, but thanks to elevations between 1300 and 2950 feet above sea level, nighttime temperatures are cool. Soils are complex and varied as are the aspect and slope of vineyard sites provided by rolling hills.
Current Tasca d’Almerita CEO Alberto Tasca has overseen the Tasca family expansion in Sicily to Mount Etna (Tenuta Tascante), the Aeolian Islands (Tenuta Capofaro), the island of Mozia (Tasca d’Almerita Fondazione Whitaker) and near Palermo the Monreale DOC (Tenuta Sallier de la Tour).
Sustainability has also been his focus and Tasca d’Almerita is certified sustainable by SOStain and VIVA. It was the first to be certified by both.
Tasca d’Almerita was named Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso in 2012 and Wine Enthusiast‘s 2019 European Winery of the Year.
2018 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Grillo Cavallo delle Fate, Sicilia DOC — light golden in the glass with aromas of ripe citrus, stony minerality and hints of stone fruit. Flavors follow the aromas and finish with citrus pith and bright acidity. 13.5% abv. SRP $20
Fermentation and aging took place in stainless steel resulting in a bright, lively wine with delicious citrusy flavors.
2018 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Catarratto Antisa, Sicilia DOC — light golden in the glass with generous aromas of white flowers, ripe pineapple and dried herbs. Layers of flavor include white peach and apricot, stony minerality and citrusy acidity all blended with a bit of weight and texture resulting in a long finish. 12% abv. SRP $22
This wine is so aromatic and flavorful with bright acidity and a bit of roundness. It was made entirely in stainless steel.
2017 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Perricone Guarnaccio, Sicilia DOC — medium ruby in the glass with generous aromas of ripe boysenberries and dusty earth. Flavors of boysenberries, raspberries, blackberries and dried alfalfa blend with nice acidity and dusty earth. Tannins are gauzy and well integrated with the flavors and medium body. 13% abv. SRP $20
The combination of berry flavors is so pleasing in this wine, with nice weight and lovely tannins. It’s not too heavy for summer meals and I love the lower alcohol. At $20 this wine is a steal. It was fermented in stainless steel and aged in second-use French oak.
2016 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Nero d’Avola Lamùri, Sicilia DOC — light ruby in the glass with aromas of raspberries, dark cherries and peppery spice. Flavors follow with berries and red cherries, dusty earth and slate minerality. Tannins are drying and well integrated in this barely-medium bodied wine. 13.5% abv. SRP $20
The gorgeous light ruby color of this wine hints at its style. Its slightly lighter body, structure and flavor profile make it an absolute charmer and a red wine I would enjoy even in summer. I absolutely love this variety. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with aging in second and third-use French oak barrels.
Cheers!
