Tasca Regaleali Rosso del Conte - 2018 (750ml)

San Lucio is the first “grande vigna” created on the Tenuta Regaleali in 1959, from which the first and following editions of Rosso del Conte were born. Here two varieties coexist: Perricone and Nero d’Avola. They have a similar vegetative cycle: they are fairly late ripening grapes, ripening on average between late September and early October. The Rosso del Conte is a faithful expression of its terroir, recalling the high hills in the heart of Sicily. On the aromatic level, Rosso del Conte never exaggerates in overripe notes, while guaranteeing full phenolic ripeness. A wine that is exuberant, vibrant, and energetic in its youth, with aging it develops a velvety touch, without losing structure and flavor. In its long history it has experienced various production approaches, particularly in its aging technique: chestnut barrels, Slavonian oak, small French oak barrels. But all the while maintaining its peculiar identity.

Tenuta Regaleali’s oldest vineyard covers about 7 hectares, of which 5.5 hectares were planted in 1959 with a mix of both Perricone and Nero d’Avola vines. The rest, about 1.5 hectares, was planted in 1965 with Nero d’Avola only. The altitude is 480 m.a.s.l, the exposure is south-southeast. It is grown using the bush vine system, the oldest and most widespread form of cultivation in the semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean. As in the past, the vine density is 4,400 vines per hectare, obtained by arranging the vines at a distance of 1.5 meters from each other.

94+ points Vinous Media

An air of exotic spice and shavings of cedar blows off to reveal black raspberries, cocoa and dried roses as the 2018 Rosso del Conte slowly evolves in the glass. This is incredibly fresh, cool-toned and youthfully poised, with depths of tart wild berry fruit complicated by hints of blood orange and a zesty core of acidity. The 2018 tapers off long, classically dry and structured, but it retains freshness. A minty flourish persists alongside a balsamic tinge and tart cranberry crunchiness. - By Eric Guido on March 2024

94 points Wine & Spirits
This wine opens with a bouquet of wild herbs—lavender, thyme, menthol—that evoke the hills of central Sicily. Those herbal notes infuse the palate, weaving through flavors of black plum and raspberry as the wine picks up notes of licorice toward the fresh and lively finish.

94 points James Suckling Ripe strawberries with blackberries and hints of tar. Full- to medium-bodied with powerful tannins and a chewy and juicy finish. Very structured. One to age in your cellar. Still very young. Try after 2025.