The Morgante winery exemplifies one family’s dedication to harnessing five generations of viticultural expertise. In 1994, Antonio Morgante, alongside his sons Carmelo and Giovanni, decided to vinify their own grapes instead of sending them to the local cooperative as they had until that point. This marked the beginning of their mission to achieve the best results with indigenous varietals while embracing innovation.
In 1997, the family enlisted renowned oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, whose mastery in crafting exceptional wines from Italy’s native grapes has been pivotal. Situated in southern Sicily, Morgante’s 200 hectares of vineyards and almond groves lie between 350 and 550 metres above sea level over a 30 km radius around the town of Grotte. This hilly region, with its Mediterranean climate and soils ranging from clay and calcareous to marl, is ideal for viticulture.
Nero d’Avola is the cornerstone of Sicilian wines, and Morgante has always championed this varietal, a passion and vision shared with Riccardo Cotarella. The family rigorously controls all aspects of production, from vineyard to cellar, ensuring the highest quality in every wine they produce.
Don Antonio Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2014
Vineyards:
The grapes for this wine are grown in the hills of southern Sicily, where the white calcareous soils with small portions of clay provide the ideal environment for cultivating Nero d'Avola. The altitude (350-550 metres) and Mediterranean climate help preserve the natural acidity and freshness of the fruit.
Winemaking:
Hand-harvested Nero d’Avola grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by 20 days of skin contact to extract deep colour and structure. The wine is then aged in new French Allier oak barrels for 12 months and bottle-aged for a minimum of 18 months before release.
Appearance:
Deep purple with garnet hues.
Nose:
Rich aromas of voluptuous ripe cherries, rose petals, sweet spices, liquorice, and cocoa, offering a complex and inviting bouquet.
Palate:
The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with silky but structured tannins. Flavours of black cherries, plum, and dark chocolate are enhanced by hints of spice and liquorice, leading to a long, persistent finish. 15%.
Food Pairing:
Perfect with matured cheeses, roasted red meat, and braised wild game. It also pairs beautifully with hearty pasta dishes and slow-cooked meats.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve at 16-18°C to fully enjoy the wine's depth and complexity.
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