Deep ruby color; cherry, raspberry, mulberry on the nose; black cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, mulberry, tobacco on the palate.
Dry; medium body; light-medium tannins. Balancing acidity (3.7 pH). Becomes smoother, rounder, less tart after decanting. Nice bright fruit delivers a hint of sweetness on mid-palate and especially on the finish. Very subdued oak—fermented in stainless steel and aged in 50% large Slavonian oak barrels and 50% in stainless steel; 13% ABV.
Nero d’Avola sometimes is called Sicily’s cabernet sauvignon, other times Sicily’s syrah. The grape falls between them, lacking cabernet sauvignon’s higher tannins, lacking the heft of syrah. It does deliver the warmth and depth of the two grapes. As such, it particularly pairs well with leaner red meats and tomato sauces.
The Regaleali estate dates to the 1830s. The name comes from the Arabic “Rahal-ali”—House of Ali. In addition to grapes, the estate grows thousands of roses on plants brought in from all over the world. The 100% Nero d’Avola grapes come from Tasca’s primary vineyard located in the mountainous heart of inland Sicily.
The website notes: “Tenuta Regaleali is a world unto itself: a vast estate between Valledolmo and Sclafani Bagni owned and operated by the Tasca d’Almerita family since 1837. Agriculture and winemaking coexist while strengthening one another. 387 hectares of vineyards thrive across the estate’s 542 total hectares, between 400 and 900 meters [1,300-3,000 feet] above sea level. Soils vary from vineyard to vineyard, creating a mosaic of geologic compositions. The microclimate here boasts excellent light and a fundamental day/night temperature excursion.”
Tasca d’Almerita is a substantial Sicilian winemaker, producing some 3.3 million bottles annually, including 600,000 bottles of this effort. It is a family-run organization, now in its eighth generation with Alberto Tasca the current CEO. Tasca has long been an advocate of sustainable agriculture. Winebow, Inc.—a significant player in imports into U.S.—handles Tasca, so you should have luck finding this wine, or other Tasca efforts, at a good wine store or online. Go to the Winebow page for nicely in-depth information (link below) about the winery. The Tasca website also is filled with information and photos.
Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Nero d’Avola, Sicilia 2016 is easy going, savory, any occasion table wine at excellent price. The simple tannins will play well with those put off by tannic wines. The fruits consistently improve with decanting and time in glass, becoming delicious. Pair with pasta with meat-tomato sauced; spaghetti and meat balls; sausages; pizza; roasted and grilled steaks, especially leaner cuts; beef stew; eggplant parmigiana. $13-15
U.S. importer’s website page on Tasca
