Producer Profile
Sicily’s geography and climate are perfectly suited for the production of healthy, ripe grapes and quality wines. Palazzo del Mare’s vineyard sites are situated at an altitude of 200-300m, ensuring cooler night time temperatures which preserve crucial acidity in the grapes. Yields are naturally limited by the winds and the wines tend to be harvested earlier than many of their neighbours and consequently are bright and fresh. The Catarratto particularly displays that signature crisp, citrus laced fruit filled style while the Nero d´Avola delivers ample ripe, plummy fruit.
Viticulture
A combination of hand and machine harvested grapes. Yields are naturally limited by the winds and climatic conditions on the island and average around 7 tonnes per hectare. Vineyard sites are situated at an altitude of 200-300m, ensuring cooler night time temperatures which preserve crucial acidity in the grapes. The average age of the vineyards are 15 years old. The Palazzo wines tend to be harvested earlier than many of their neighbours and consequently they are bright and fresh with no jammy, baked flavours.
Winemaking
Harvested in the cool of the morning for maximum preservation of fresh fruit flavours. Gentle pressing in a pneumatic press followed by overnight cold maceration in order to extract all the aromatics from the grapes. Fermented at 14C in stainless steel, temperature controlled tanks. left on the lees with occasional battonage enhance the texture and complexity of the wine. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation in order to ensure it is bright, fresh and zippy.
Oak Treatment
No oak treatment.
Tasting Note
A riot of tropical peach and pineapple aromas leap out of the glass. These flavours continue onto the palate joined by lovely ripe pear and a lick of acidity to balance the ripe fruit.
Food Matching
This wine goes well with baked seafood, classic Italian Pizza and salads