Regaleali Del Conte Rosso 2018
Tasca d'Almerita (Tenuta Regaleali) · Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
At a glance
- Producer
- Tasca d'Almerita (Tenuta Regaleali)
- Region
- Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
- Grape variety
- Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Fruity
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $16-$22
Tasting profile
Notes of ripe red cherries, plum, blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, hints of spice and subtle earthiness. Soft tannins and bright acidity keep it lively.
Evolution: More savory and tertiary notes (dried cherry, leather, forest floor) will emerge with time, but fruit will fade after 2027.
At peak: Peaks with vibrant primary fruit and spice; some light complexity, but not designed for major evolution. Accessible, food-friendly and easy-drinking style.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium-high (classic for Sicilian reds, aiding freshness and food-friendliness)
- Tannins
- Medium, fine and supple
- Alcohol
- 13.5%-14%
- Aging potential
- Best within 5-7 years of vintage; structure prevents rapid decline, but not a long cellaring wine
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2022 to 2025
- Optimal window
- 2020 to 2027
- Current status
- Ready to drink but can improve for a few more years
- Current condition
- Showing vibrant fruit, good freshness, low risk of decline, still at peak in 2024
This wine is crafted for mid-term enjoyment, benefitting from a few years’ bottle age to integrate tannin and acid, but not intended for decades in the cellar. Peak window reflects optimal freshness and fruit expression.
Food pairing
Perfect for Sicilian cuisine: pasta alla Norma, grilled lamb, eggplant dishes, hard aged cheeses, roasted vegetables, sausage with fennel, and pizza with robust toppings.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-45 minutes) — Light decanting helps open up the aromatics and round out any youthful edges.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 8/10
Organic farming (conversion complete for Regaleali estate vineyards), biodiversity conservation, solar power utilization, rainwater harvesting, on-site composting, native cover crops between rows; recycled lightweight glass for bottles; reduced chemical use.
Tasca d'Almerita is one of Sicily’s sustainability leaders, certified by SOStain (Sicily’s regional standard) and Equalitas for social, environmental, and economic responsibility. The estate emphasizes renewable energy, water management, protection of local flora/fauna, and substantial efforts to reduce input and waste. This focus on local biodiversity, clean energy, and sustainable resource management puts them near the forefront of eco-friendly Mediterranean producers.