The term Eco-Friendly, in regards to wine, may be new to you – as a couple of the requirements were for me. I had the opportunity to taste three Sicilian wines in this category and before I received them I learned that “To be a part of this sustainability program, wineries must abide by 10 minimum requirements such as eliminating chemical herbicides, preserving biodiversity, using eco-friendly materials in the vineyards, using energy-efficient technologies, opting for lighter bottles, etc.”
I found this all very interesting. But uppermost to me is how wines taste. See notes below regarding the SOStain Sicilia Foundation that is spearheading this program, and below that are tasting notes on the wines.
From Colangelo & Partners
Every day environmentally friendly practices become more and more expected in our modern world. We’re encouraged to do our best by swapping our plastic straws for reusable metal ones, recycling properly, ditching plastic water bottles, and even growing a green thumb to compost our waste. As we do our part to better the Earth …we must ask, what are businesses doing to hold up their end?
The SOStain Sicilia Foundation is the most glaring example of professionals coming together with the shared goal of bettering the world. The ultimate objective is to increase sustainability across the regional wine sector, pursuing environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically efficient development.
The Wines (My notes follow theirs, noted as from EB in italics)
Firriato, 2014 ‘Harmonium’ $25
A gorgeous Nero d’Avola, presenting a dark ruby red pour with purple hues. On the nose, it is fruit-forward with notes of rhubarb, pepper, tobacco, and nutmeg which makes this a sultry wine to indulge in. Lively tannins and impeccable softness blend together to a harmonious whole.
EB: From the tech sheet, “Handpicked, aged in French and American barriques, aged 12 months in bottle, 14.8% alcohol.” Interesting to me, before I tasted was that a good pal of mine with a wine cellar I covet, has this bottle and declared it was amazing. Second to that, getting sent an aged wine to review – this one was a 2014 vintage – is a rarity. Third, I’m a fan of the Nero d’Avola grape, as can be seen, read actually, here. Now, onto my tasting notes: A very dark purple color, opaque. The aromas were predominantly filled with spice and dark fruit starting with a spicy blackberry jam, then cocoa, cigar, oak and rich dark earth. When I tasted the wine I found it extremely balanced (due to age), the tannins had softened (due to age) and the alcohol elicited no heavy heat (possibly due to its age). The dark fruit and spice had a playfulness – meaning that at some moments I noted the spice and at others the fruit. There was also a dark chocolate component, as well as both a rich smoothness and richness. I enjoyed the wine with and without food, which is notable for an Italian wine that is almost always meant to pair with food. A great steal for $25.
Tasca Conti d’Almerita, 2020 Tenuta Regaleali ‘Guarnaccio’ $23
This wine composed of Perricone grapes is highly perfumed with elegant notes of spices and dried flowers followed by black cherry. A sip of vital freshness, fruity with a beautiful texture, and a finale of spicy notes. Its warm, soft, fresh, and savory essence is guaranteed to please.
EB: From the tech sheet, “13% alcohol, aged in French oak barrels for about 12 months.” The wine has a very deep red color, with a garnet edge, making it very pretty for the start. On the nose I was reminded of sweet Italian black plums, crushed blackberries, rich red earth, black pepper and worn leather. On the mouth I noted a spicy mouthfeel with firm, drying tannins. The fruit was similar as in the nose – dark berries and plums, as well as tobacco, dark chocolate and peppery. I could feel the French oak influence in the way my palate dried from the tannins, making me reach for another sip. And I was grateful for the low alcohol proving something this dark and earthy didn’t need the heat of high alcohol. The finish was long and strong. I’d totally buy this wine for only $23!
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 17k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Las Vegas Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
