At a glance

Producer

Marco de Bartoli

Region

Sicilia, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$45

Tasting profile

Red cherries, wild herbs, volcanic earth, and subtle spice

Evolution: With age, will develop more complex earth, leather and tar notes

At peak: Fully integrated fruit and tertiary notes with silky tannins

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus acidity typical of volcanic soils

Tannins

Medium to firm tannins providing good structure

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

10-15 years, with potential for longer cellaring given vintage and producer

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2035

Optimal window

2025 to 2035

Current status

Approaching early drinking window

Current condition

Youthful with robust tannins, some primary fruit and mineral notes

Based on the Nerello Mascalese grape's natural acidity and medium tannins, combined with Marco de Bartoli's traditional techniques, this wine gains complexity after 4-5 years and sustains its peak for up to a decade thereafter.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roasted eggplant, aged pecorino cheese, and hearty Mediterranean dishes

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45 minutes to 1 hour) — To soften tannins and open up aromas and flavors

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Marco de Bartoli employs traditional dry farming with minimal interventions, uses natural yeast fermentations, limited or no chemical pesticides, and focuses on soil health; packaging uses lightweight bottles to reduce glass weight

While not fully biodynamic or formally certified organic for every vintage, Marco de Bartoli relies heavily on sustainable viticulture practices emphasizing natural growth cycles and low chemical intervention, with environmental awareness in winery energy use and packaging. The remote location in Sicily demands transportation but the overall footprint is moderate and offset by low-input farming.