Nero D’Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera Sicilia DOC — 2018
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Introduction
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Vrucara is the name of the cru from which the grapes hail. The name has its origins in a vineyard of which the land has always been called “Vrucara.” It takes this name due to 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. Transferred into the old, unique vines, we notice this aroma in the wine.
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Vineyard Profile
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Area of Production: Cammarata (Agrigento)
Altitude: 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the sea level
Exposure: East-facing vineyard
Soil composition: Clay and sand
Vineyard Age: From prephylloxera vines, which we consider our “mother plants.” The vines in the Vrucara contain our unique and old genetic code of Nero d’Avola, guarded for centuries at Montoni. The first mention of these plants was in 1590 in the De Naturali Vinorum Historia.
Vine density: 2,600 vines per hectare (1,053 vines per acre)
Training system: Bush vines
Pruning system: Bush vines
- Appellation: Sicilia DOC
- Viticulture: Certified Organic
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Vintage Report
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During the 2018 vintage, precipitation was higher than annual averages. During the winter there were multiple snowstorms, and light rains persisted all throughout the spring and into early summer. The constant winds at Montoni helped dry the moisture off the vines and tightly wound berry clusters. Exposure to the bright sunshine assisted the vines and fruit to mature beautifully over the hot months of summer and into early fall. While the vintage was not without challenges due to the above average rainfall, the grapes, which were harvested in late October, were healthy, abundant and at the optimal balance of alcohol and acidity
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 100% in cement containers with a long maceration of 30 days on the skins. The pressing is made in an old wood press. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation takes place in cement.
- Aging: 42 months in cement, 4 months in barrels, 6 months in the bottle
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Nero d’Avola
- Alcohol: 14.0%
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Tasting Notes
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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. Vrucara has a prolonged aromatic persistence on the finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Nero D’Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera Sicilia DOC — 2018 – Vinous – 93 Points
“The 2018 Nero d'Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera is hauntingly dark and floral, dusting exotic spice and crushed violets accentuating red plums and balsam herbs. This is a surprisingly lifted and pure interpretation of Vrucara, with silky textures and mineral-tinged wild berry fruits lifted by brisk acidity. A black licorice twang resonates toward the close. Cocoa and balsamic spice hints linger as the 2018 finishes with crunchy tannins and a lovely honeyed sweetness.”
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Nero D’Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera Sicilia DOC — 2018 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
“An elegant red, with subtle juiciness to the flavors of baked cherry and raspberry, warm spice, mocha and loamy earth. Fresh and well-knit, with silky tannins and a lingering finish.”
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Nero D’Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera Sicilia DOC — 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
“The nose opens like an old book—leathery and dusty—with dried flowers and then peppery herbs. Cherries, strawberries, vanilla and cola on the palate, followed by more herbs and pepper notes. Integrated and elegant, with firm tannins and sparkling acid.”
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Nero D’Avola Vrucara Prephylloxera Sicilia DOC — 2018 – Wine Advocate – 93 Points
“This is a dark and penetrating expression with sweet cherry and blackberry contrasted against tobacco, smoke and baking spice. It delivers nice softness and textural weight.”