At a glance

Producer

Tasca d'Almerita

Region

Sicilia, Italy

Grape variety

Predominantly Nero d'Avola (with Perricone and/or other indigenous varieties depending on vintage)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$45-70

Tasting profile

Vivid black cherry, dark plum, Mediterranean herbs, sweet spice, cocoa, toast; intense and youthful, pronounced oak showing but harmonious.

Evolution: With age (5-12+ years): aromatic complexity moves toward dried cherry, fig, leather, earth, tobacco, balsamic richness, greater integration of oak, polished tannins.

At peak: Layered, savory, yet still vibrant with notes of dried cherry, spice box, cedar, aromatic herbs, and a smooth, lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, providing freshness and longevity

Tannins

Firm and ripe, moderately high

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV (typical for this cuvée); full-bodied

Aging potential

Excellent; 15-20 years from vintage is realistic for top bottles in good cellaring conditions due to concentration and balance

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2045

Optimal window

2025 to 2048

Current status

Youthful but accessible

Current condition

Structured, powerful, still building tertiary notes; notably ageworthy in good vintages, with primary fruit and oak very present.

Rosso del Conte is among Sicily’s most structured and cellar-worthy reds, crafted with meticulous fruit selection, low yields, and extended barrel aging. In a balanced modern vintage like 2020, the wine’s concentration and tannic structure ensure it will evolve for 15-20 years from vintage with proper storage—2028-2036 is anticipated as the period of optimal drinkability, though enjoyment into 2040+ is realistic for well-cellared examples.

Food pairing

Best with grilled lamb, Sicilian braised beef, game birds, mature pecorino, hearty mushroom dishes, or eggplant parmigiana.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decant to soften tannins and allow the complex aromas to emerge; wine is still young and structured.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Tasca d'Almerita is a Mediterranean sustainability leader: solar energy in production, water recycling, reforestation programs, minimal pesticide/fertilizer use, biodiversity (cover crops, native flora), low-impact packaging, lightweight bottles, plastic minimization, on-site carbon monitoring, and continuous environmental research.

Tasca d'Almerita is widely recognized as Sicily’s model for sustainable, responsible viticulture (Gambero Rosso Green Award 2021/22). All estate vineyards—including the Regaleali Estate—are certified under SOStain and VIVA, integrating biodiversity conservation, carbon monitoring, and community engagement. While international shipping adds some carbon footprint, the producer leads in renewable energy, circular resource use, and eco-packaging—placing this wine among Italy’s top responsible red wine choices.