~ Over 300 producers comprise the Canicatti Cooperative ~
Cooperative may not be the first word that leaps to mind when thinking about quality Italian wine. And while that may have once been true, it is often no longer the case. Many Coops (think Produttori del Barbaresco) produce wonderful wine and Canicatti is no exception.
Canicatti is an association of 300 independent farmers that have been growing grapes in and around Agrigento since 1969. On this South Western coast of Sicily, the rocky terrain marking most vineyards is well suited to grape growing. And often, fertile vineyard plots are surrounded by what looks like inhospitable terrain.
~ Rocks and meadow grass surrounds a vineyard near Agrigento, Sicily ~
In addition to Agrigento, Canicatti farms 900 hectares of vineyards located in 12 municipalities, dotted between the provinces of Caltanissetta and Palermo. This constitutes a viticultural landscape comprised of sixty different production areas.
These micro-climates are defined by the regions vast and even ancient history. Today, vineyards spread across the long forgotten sulphur mine region to the ancient ruins of Valle dei Templi, (Valley of the Temples).
~ The Temple of Concordia ~
Today, I’m continuing my Heritage Series and talking about two of Canicatti’s workhorse wines from what they call their “La Ferla” line.
The 2021 Canicatti “La Ferla” Inzolia is 100% Inzolia sourced from vineyards near Agrigento and Palermo. Medium gold in the glass, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and interestingly aged for 3 months in cement before bottling. Clean aromas of pineapple, lemon and lemon peel are notable. On the palate the wine is light to medium bodied with a flinty, viscous mouthfeel. Flavors echo the nose and finish cleanly where a slightly bitter note emerges on the finish. A nice wine that drinks well on its own as an appertivo but could easily match with light shellfish pastas. 85 points. Find this wine.
~ This white is 100% Inzolia and is a crisp, refreshing wine. Inzolia is also synonymous for Ansonica ~
The 2020 Canicatti “La Ferla” Nero d’Avola is 100% Nero d’Avola that is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and cement. It is then aged for 8 months in cement tanks before bottle aging 4 months prior to release.
In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby color with attractive notes of black plum, violet notes and peppery spices. Medium bodied in the mouth with a nice core of red cherry accented with black olive notes. Straightforward, fresh and enjoyable. 87 points. Find this wine.
~ A juicy, vibrant Nero d’Avola ~
Stay tuned for more data points in my Heritage Series as we explore Feudi Maccari – coming soon!
Salute!
