Al Feu, Perricone, Terre Siciliane IGP, Sicily, Italy 2022

Cultivated only in Western Sicily, Perricone was long seen as a blending partner with Nero D’Avola, but is now — like many “re-discovered” grapes, especially in Italy — becoming a force on its own. Nearly forgotten in the last forty years, Perricone (also known as Pignatello) is a charming and pleasant wine, marked by a strong and firm character.

The aroma is rich and elegant with notes of dark berries, dried fruit, herbs and pepper creating an intriguing and charming bouquet. Its palate is fresh and rich without being jammy and retaining good acidity, this Perricone is a liquid postcard from western Sicily, displaying the Mediterranean influence balancing fruit and tannins. Overall it’s an
intense mid weight wine, capable to age some good years.

In the cellar, Al Feu approach is hands off, avoiding technical manipulation. The varietal is hand harvested in mid August and the grapes are immediately carried to the cellar. Destemming and soft crushing. The 14 days long skin contact, in addition to giving color, provides the wine of a pleasant tannic note which enhances its complexity. After the spontaneous fermentation triggered by indigenous yeast only, the wine is left into stainless steel vats to refine on its lees for about 8 months and then is bottled in spring. Unfined (and therefore suitable for vegans) unfiltered and completely unoaked.