Valdibella 'Agape' Nerello Mascalese
Camporeale > Sicily > IT
Nerello Mascalese, 2021
Agape means “love feast” to the ancients, and was the word used to describe big communal meals in early Christendom. One of the oldest grapevines in Sicily, the Nerello Mascalese originates in the Mount Etna area and for a very long time it has been cultivated in the west of Sicily, though much less common today. It’s exciting to try a non-Etna Nerello, and this one is delicious with notes of violet, cherry and candied fruit.
Made by the team at Valdibella, an impressive and inspiring cooperative based in Sicily's west who have a huge focus on biodiverse farmlands, an active social impact, and are part of the Addiopizzo anti-mafia movement. Certified Organic.
Camporeale > Sicily > IT
Nerello Mascalese, 2021
Agape means “love feast” to the ancients, and was the word used to describe big communal meals in early Christendom. One of the oldest grapevines in Sicily, the Nerello Mascalese originates in the Mount Etna area and for a very long time it has been cultivated in the west of Sicily, though much less common today. It’s exciting to try a non-Etna Nerello, and this one is delicious with notes of violet, cherry and candied fruit.
Made by the team at Valdibella, an impressive and inspiring cooperative based in Sicily's west who have a huge focus on biodiverse farmlands, an active social impact, and are part of the Addiopizzo anti-mafia movement. Certified Organic.
Camporeale > Sicily > IT
Nerello Mascalese, 2021
Agape means “love feast” to the ancients, and was the word used to describe big communal meals in early Christendom. One of the oldest grapevines in Sicily, the Nerello Mascalese originates in the Mount Etna area and for a very long time it has been cultivated in the west of Sicily, though much less common today. It’s exciting to try a non-Etna Nerello, and this one is delicious with notes of violet, cherry and candied fruit.
Made by the team at Valdibella, an impressive and inspiring cooperative based in Sicily's west who have a huge focus on biodiverse farmlands, an active social impact, and are part of the Addiopizzo anti-mafia movement. Certified Organic.
Grape: Nerello Mascalese
ABV: 13.5%
Story: Grown organically, the vines are cordon spur trained, per tradition. Vinified and aged in stainless steel vessels for 8 months, and in the absence of added sulphites which, together with native yeast fermentation, make the most of the varietal characteristics and special terroir. Valdibella is a small cooperative in Camporeale, in the Palermo province of Sicilia. Their cultivation is carried out in respect of nature, and they value native grape varieties. We had the pleasure of staying on the estate during our visit last Autumn and we were blown away by this inspiring co-op. The wines perfectly capture the spirit of Terre Sicilia.
Personality: It is cherry red and fruit-driven with notes of red berries, lightly spicy, dried herbs. Light tannin, fresh acidity, mineral finish. Magnifico!
Harmony: Literally begging for weekday pasta night, lots of red sauce and pecorino cheese. Or go for traditional Sicilian caponata!