In the presence of Alberto Tasca d’Almerita Esq, CEO of Conte Tasca d’Almerita, the wine tasting dinner hosted by Summergate at Conrad Hotel earlier this year was no less than a discovery journey of Sicilian wine, culture and lifestyle.
An Emblem of Sicily
Comprising five tenute (estates) with 600 hectares of vineyards, Tasca d’Almerita and its produce are now present in four continents. Rome was not built in a day, and neither was Tasca d’Almerita – ever since 1830, eight generations of the comital family have toiled to establish the family business as a leading vintner of the region.
An aristocratic family with history no doubt, but the Tasca Counts are more often pioneers in introducing innovations, dating back to the 19th century, when the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea was still a backwater. With patience and respect for the land, sustainable agriculture was employed long before the term was even coined.
Island of Contrast and Diversity
At the helm of the family business is Alberto, who has been involved in various aspects of Tenuta Regaleali for 20 years. Various articles have been written about him by James Suckling in Wine Spectator, Walter Speller on JancisRobinson.com, and The Financial Times.
Knowing Sicily and its wines by heart, familiarity only breeds more passion.
“Sicily is such a diverse island – historically, culturally, linguistically, geographically, and oenologically,” he explains, “so much so that every city has its own distinctive character, and even the same city would appear different through seasons.”
Whether embarras de richesses or happy dilemma, “The problem is, Sicily is so intriguingly complex that it is difficult to explain just verbally. I guess the only way to truly discover and savour Sicily would be to visit the island in person. The en primeur season is a good time to visit Sicily: every year events are held in a different city, highlighting the island’s diverse heritage.”
Leone d’Almerita Terre Siciliane IGT 2010
The blend of 50% Catarratto, 27% Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc), 19% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Traminer Aromatico (Gewürztraminer) is as international as it is interesting. Often used in Marsala, Catarratto is the protagonist here. All four varieties are harvested from high altitude vineyards (500-900m above sea level), and fermented in stainless steel tanks under low temperature (14-16°C).
Bright straw-yellow in colour, this wine has a very refreshing nose of grapefruit, citrus flower, white peach and pineapple. While possessing crispy acidity, it is supple in body, rich in flavours, well balanced and has a lingering finish.
Nozze d’Oro Contea di Sclafani DOC 2010
Originally a gift to his wife Franca on the golden anniversary (hence Nozze d’Oro), Count Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita’s private creation has since become a sensation. This blend of 73% Inzolia (also known as Ansonica; often used in Marsala) and 27% Sauvignon Tasca is not only loyal to the Sicilian origin, but also has a personal touch: the former is an indigenous variety of Sicily whose popularity is second only to Catarratto, whereas the latter is unique to Tasca d’Amerita’s tenute.
Golden yellow in colour with greenish hues, aromas of apple, melon and jasmine are very fresh and fragrant. On the palate, lean fruits of apple, pear and herbs are accompanied by a hint of muskiness, well supported by ample acidity and a clear structure.
Rosso del Conte Contea di Sclafani DOC 2006
The brainchild of Count Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita, who decided to create an iconic wine some 40 years ago, when Rosso del Conte was launched in 1970, it was the first Sicilian red of extended age-worthiness, rivalling the finest of Italy. Harvested through September and October, the cream of Regaleali’s Nero d’Avola is blended with Sicily’s indigenous Perricone (alternatively Tuccarino or Pignatello), and spent 18 months in French barriques, followed by 12 months in bottle.
Dark ruby-red in colour, the intensely aromatic nose of red cherry and damson is complemented by an array of spices, including cinnamon, liquorice and vanilla. Supported by lively acidity and firm tannin resembling aristocratic reticence, complex aromas and flavours are as much alluring as lingering. Well-balanced and harmonious in structure, this is a very elegant and age-worthy gem.
Lamùri d’Almerita Sicilia IGT 2010
Lamùri, from l’amuri (“love” in Sicilian dialect), is beautifully – if paradoxically – defined by Tasca d’Almerita as “reasons of the heart.” As emblematic of Sicily as Regaleali, the indigenous variety, despite its long history, has only recently achieved international acclaim, thanks to meticulous yield and quality control. Produced from high-altitude vineyards (450-750m above sea level), this single varietal Nero d’Avola used a combination of wood and steel vats in fermentation, hence the lovely freshness.
Intense ruby-red in colour, aromas of cherry, blackberry and mulberry are instantly inviting. On the palate, notes of vanilla, herbs and tobacco come to the fore, well supported by rich yet velvety tannins, and followed by a persistent finish. Equally impressive is its price-quality ratio.
To discover Tasca d’Almerita’s fine wines and Sicilian culture, visit:
CONTACT
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Lester Chau, Mr • Marketing Manager
T: +853 2875 2566
