What?
Juice 2019 Fiano, Ciaca Bianca, Mandrarossa, Sicily, ITA
Grape 100% Fiano
Farming Sustainable, Vegan
Tasting Note On the nose, it has fresh and fragrant aromas of jasmine, basil and grapefruit. The palate is fresh, mineral and saline with hints of aromatic herbs such as oregano and mint and excellent length.
Who?
First produced in 1999, the Mandrarossa wines come from a selection of the best sites from Cantine Settesoli’s 6,000 hectares of vineyard, situated in southwestern Sicily and planted with 32 different grape varieties. This range was conceived after the diverse soils of the vineyards were mapped, enabling the winemakers to focus on what were then ranked their best sites (under the leadership of co-operative president Giuseppe Bursi). Consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini has sought to improve viticulture, which in turn has resulted in better wines. Working with soil specialist Pedro Parra and head winemaker Mimmo De Gregorio, Alberto has selected 500 hectares of vineyard for the production of the Mandrarossa wines.
Why?
Mandrarossa’s vineyards are situated close to the sea, where intense sunlight, moderating sea breezes, mild temperatures, multiple elevations and a myriad of different soil types combine to give this wine a wonderful maritime influence with a lovely saline character on the finish. We think that this represents excellent value for money.
With?
With the proximity to the sea and the aforementioned maritime influences present in the wine, our minds (and stomachs) are immediately drawn towards the flavours of the sea. Siciliy has a ridiculous culinary history so we are going to keep it real and focus on regional pairings. Buccatini con Sarde. Fresh sardines, salted anchovy fillets and wild fennel are made into a sauce with distinct North African flair thanks to the addition of pine nuts, raisins and saffron. Pesto alla Trapanese the local twist on the classic pesto pumped up with almonds, tomato and pecorino. Involtini di Pesce Spade (rolled swordfish stuffed with lemon, capers, pine nuts, olive and raisins then deep fried). The list goes on and on and on. Are you hungry yet? We sure as s@&t are!!
