At a glance

Producer

Tasca d'Almerita (Tenuta Regaleali)

Region

Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nero d'Avola (primarily) blended with Perricone

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$55-$80

Tasting profile

Aromatic and complex, featuring ripe black cherry, dried plum, blackberry, licorice, Mediterranean herbs, cocoa, tobacco, cedar, balsamico, and a subtle wildflower lift. Secondary notes of leather and earth integrate with still-present dark fruit.

Evolution: Darker fruit aromas gradually give way to more savory, balsamic, and earthy complexity. Tannins soften further but retain structure. Finish becomes longer and more nuanced.

At peak: At peak, expect a seamless blend of dark fruit, dried herb, tobacco, leather, and spice, with energetic acidity and resolved tannin. Structure persists, highlighting the refined Sicilian terroir.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained (integrated but present)

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage (2012) in top vintages; 2012 is above average, supporting extended cellaring through at least 2032.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2022 to 2037

Optimal window

2017 to 2040

Current status

Peak and plateau

Current condition

Fully mature, showing complex tertiary aromas while maintaining structure and vibrancy typical of a top Sicilian red. The wine is comfortably in its drinking plateau but has several more years of positive evolution ahead in proper cellaring.

Rosso del Conte is the flagship of Tenuta Regaleali and among Sicily's most ageworthy reds, especially in strong vintages. 2012 delivered excellent quality and balance, giving this wine both richness and firm structure conducive to 15-20+ years aging. Reviews and historical tasting evidence from prior decades confirm that well-stored bottles reach full complexity at 10-15 years and hold for several more, making now through 2028 an ideal drinking window with cellaring potential to 2032.

Food pairing

Ideal with roasted or braised lamb, wild boar, beef ragu, grilled game, aged Pecorino or Parmigiano, mushroom risotto, or Sicilian dishes with robust spices and herbs.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow tertiary aromas to open and any subtle sediment to settle, revealing full aromatic and flavor complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Integrated pest management, cover crops, native biodiversity preservation, solar energy and energy efficiency, minimal intervention, on-site water recycling, lightweight bottles, local supply chain focus, part of Sustainable Wine Roundtable.

Tasca d'Almerita/Regaleali is a pioneering force in Sicilian and European sustainability, with extensive certified practices via SOStain and Equalitas. Vineyard management prioritizes organics, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and water stewardship. Emphasis on clean energy, circular economy principles, and local engagement gives this estate a model profile for sustainability. The carbon footprint is significantly reduced through on-site renewables and eco-packaging, making Regaleali one of the most progressive estates in southern Europe.