Heritage: Feudo Maccari

“Sicily always manages to bewitch the hearts of people who think they will spend only a short time here but then plant solid roots.”

Be warned.  This is the fate that befell Antonio Moretti, founder of Feudo Maccari.  On a trip to Sicily in the 1990’s Antonio was indeed bewitched; and in 2000 he returned and purchased Feudo Maccari.  If you think that Moretti’s name sounds familiar, you’re right.   He also owns Tenuta Sette Ponti in Tuscany.

Today the estate encompasses 265 hectares, of which 60 are planted to vines.  As I write this, the vineyards are approaching almost 30 years of age and beginning to produce some very complex fruit.

Situated in Noto, only about a mile from the sea on the southern coast of Sicily, Feudo Maccari’s vineyards lie about 240 feet above sea level.   The terroir here promotes complexity in the fruit because the soils vary greatly.  Carbon rich black sand, tan sand and fossilized sea bed shells and fragments combine throughout the vineyards. Finally, Maccari’s highest vineyard is replete with limestone. These trace minerals are notable in all of their wines.

Today,  I’ve reviewed three of the estate’s wonderful reds.  Let’s get to it.

2019 Feudo Maccari Saia – Deep ruby color, almost trending to garnet.  This 100% Nero d’Avola shows good persistence of aromas and flavors like black plum, cherry and baking spices.  Balanced well, it retains its freshness throughout the finish.  This is a very nice value.  88 points.  Not yet fully released.  Find this wine.

2019 Feudo Maccari Maharis – Deep violet. Gorgeous color!  Aromas of black fruits, vanilla and slight smoke combine on the nose.  Lovely!  Full body on the palate with loads of black fruit, vanilla, spice and tabbachi on the palate. Long finish that turns smokey and shortens slightly from the tannins. But this is so good.  The Syrah vines are approaching 35 years of age.   Give it 2-3 years to mellow.  100% Syrah.   94 points. Not yet fully released.  Find this wine.

2020 Feudo Maccari Nere: 100% Nero d’Avola – Deep ruby color.  Plum and raspberry aromas are very attractive.  Snappy, fruity wild berry on the palate is fresh and juicy.  Hints of vanilla on the finish to this medium bodied wine.  This is a very well done for the entry level Nero and an excellent value as well. 87 points.  Find this wine.

Are you a Nero d’Avola or an Etna Rosso fan?  Do you think International varietals belong in Sicily? Do they adapt to a sense of place?  Leave a comment or head over to Twitter and let me hear what you think.

Salute!