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.
Vintage Factsheets
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
- The winemaking begins with fermentation in cement containers, where the Nerello Mascalese grapes undergo an extended 30-day maceration on the skins to extract deep, complex flavors. The pressing process is done manually in an old wooden press, enhancing the traditional craftsmanship behind the wine. After fermentation, spontaneous malolactic fermentation takes place in cement, followed by 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.
Wine Enthusiast
92 Points
2019
“A sweet, playful nose features chocolate and strawberry milk, plus maraschino cherries, like any good ice cream shop. The palate stays sweet with vanilla and more strawberries and cherries, but a slightly powderiness keeps everyone in a line. Smooth tannins create an enjoyably slick texture.”
— Danielle Callegari, 2023
