Feudo Montoni
Nero d’Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera Sicilia DOC
Vrucara is the name of the cru from which the grapes hail. It takes this name from the presence of vruca, a Sicilian word for a bush that grows spontaneously around the vineyard. This herb has aromas of menthol mixed with those of incense oil that is almost palpable in the resulting wine. Vrucara is the product of a vineyard with ancient roots, sourced from prephylloxera vines that are considered to be the “mother plants” of the estate’s Nero d'Avola. These unique vines hold an ancient genetic code of the grape, preserved for centuries in Feudo Montoni’s vineyards. This wine reflects the deep history of Sicilian viticulture, with Vrucara being a prime example of Feudo Montoni’s commitment to preserving ancient grape varieties. The vineyard’s soils, rich in clay and sand, contribute to the uniqueness of the wine, offering a complex structure that reflects the island’s terroir.
The grapes come from prephylloxera vines, which are often referred to as "mother plants" and are considered to hold the ancient genetic code of Nero d’Avola, carefully preserved at Montoni for centuries. The vineyard, located in clay and sand soils, faces east, capturing the early morning sun, which helps the grapes ripen slowly and develop their full aromatic potential. These vines, with their ancient heritage, give the wine a unique and complex character, offering a direct link to centuries of winemaking tradition.
- Region
- Sicily
- Appellation
- Sicilia DOC
- Varietal Composition
- Nero d'Avola
- Aging
- 40 months of aging in cement and 4 months in barrels to round out the wine's texture, before spending 8 months in the bottle.
- Alcohol
- 14%
A bright ruby red color, Vrucara is intense and persistent on the nose with earthy aromas, notes of red plum and dark berries, which are in harmony with notes of rose petal, vanilla, balsamic, eucalyptus and licorice. Soft and velvety on the palate, with a delicate acidity and well-balanced and soft tannins.
Vinous
94 Points
2021
"Intense from the first tilt of the glass, the 2021 Nero d'Avola Vrucara smolders up with a beguiling blend of crushed blackberry and cherry complicated by cedar shavings, incense and mint. The palate is silken in feel, with weighty textures offset by a core of zesty acidity as ripe red and blue fruit cascade throughout. The 2021 possesses notable energy and verve, finishing structured and long yet still fresh, leaving a hint of tart raspberry and spice to linger. A fantastic, powerful rendition of Feudo Montoni's Vrucara."
— Eric Guido, 2025
Wine Advocate
94 Points
2021
"The organic Feudo Montoni 2021 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Riserva Vrucara now carries the word “Riserva” on the back label, along with a reference to the Principato di Villanova, the historic principality where the estate’s baglio was built. The wine opens to cola and bright cherry in a pretty, lifted bouquet. It is precise and crisp, with terrific fruit delineation that carries seamlessly from the nose to the palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft yet supported by good underlying structure."
— Monica Larner, 2026
