At a glance

Producer

Tenuta Regaleali (Tasca d'Almerita)

Region

Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Predominantly Nero d'Avola, with Perricone

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$55

Tasting profile

Rich black cherry, blackberry, plum, hints of dried Mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate, sweet spice from oak (vanilla, clove), and a subtle minerality.

Evolution: Earthy and tertiary notes (leather, tobacco, dried fig) will emerge with time; tannins will soften, acidity will keep wine fresh.

At peak: Expect a harmonious, layered wine at peak—ripe dark fruit interwoven with savory, earthy and spice notes, and silky structure.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high (refreshes the bold fruit and ensures longevity)

Tannins

Firm, ripe, abundant; smoothing but present

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV (typical for this cuvée)

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage (not uncommon to see excellent bottles at 18-20 years with proper storage)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2050

Optimal window

2024 to 2053

Current status

Structured, promising but youthful; already enjoyable with aeration

Current condition

Still on the youthful side, with powerful fruit and oak; tannins integrating. Will gain complexity with 3+ years bottle age.

Rosso del Conte is Sicily's most age-worthy red, first produced in 1970. Powerful structure (tannin, acidity) and high-quality estate fruit allow it to cellar for 15-20 years, especially in top vintages like 2018. Oak regimen and polished winemaking give both immediate pleasure and long evolution in bottle.

Food pairing

Lamb chops with rosemary, Sicilian-style braised pork or beef, aged pecorino, pasta with wild boar ragù, eggplant parmigiana, and mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (90 minutes) — Opens up aromas and smooths tannins in youth; needed to allow integration of fruit, oak and earthy notes.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Integrated pest management, cover cropping, solar panels cover >30% energy needs, modern light glass bottles, recycled/compostable packaging; converted to waterwise drip irrigation, biodiversity corridors with native plants, composting all vine prunings.

Tasca d'Almerita (Tenuta Regaleali) is Sicily’s leading sustainable estate. They are a foundational member of SOStain, championing sustainable viticulture, biodiversity, water/energy conservation, and reduced carbon output. Advanced efforts include renewable energy, sustainable vineyard management, avoiding herbicides, and transparency through independent monitoring. Packaging choices (lightweight bottle, recycled label) and a continued push for organic transition further boost sustainability performance. Delivery to export markets does involve some carbon cost, but measures are in place to offset impacts.