Tasca Conti d'Almerita - Tenuta Regaleali : Riserva del Conte 2010

Tasting notes and advice for Riserva del Conte 2010 from Tasca Conti d'Almerita - Tenuta Regaleali

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows an intense, clear ruby red.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet reveals great complexity. It opens with notes of ripe dark fruit, notably blackberry and blueberry, along with spicy nuances. With aeration, tertiary aromas gradually emerge: supple leather, fine tobacco, hints of rhubarb and pomegranate. The aromatic profile is completed by notes of sandalwood, cigar box, dried fruits (walnuts, hazelnuts) and a subtle earthy dimension reminiscent of humus.

Palate

The attack reveals a remarkable balance between the various structural components. The freshness provided by acidity harmoniously supports the 14% ABV, while silky, velvety tannins lend a refined texture. The palate shows lovely fruit concentration paired with distinctive minerality. The finish stands out for its exceptional length and elegant persistence, leaving an impression of dried fruit and minerality.

Food and wine pairings

This Sicilian red wine is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, game in sauce, and aged hard cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with refined Mediterranean dishes such as herb-braised lamb or preparations featuring wild mushrooms.

Serving and cellaring

Riserva del Conte 2010 can be enjoyed now, while also offering outstanding aging potential. Its structure will allow it to continue evolving favorably through approximately 2030-2040. Decanting for one hour before serving is recommended to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity. Suggested serving temperature: 16-18°C.

An exceptional Italian red wine from the Contea di Sclafani appellation

The estate

Founded in 1830 by brothers Lucio and Carmelo Mastrogiovanni Tasca, Tasca Conti d'Almerita - Tenuta Regaleali is one of Sicily’s most historic wine estates. Located in the rural heart of the island, between the provinces of Palermo and Caltanissetta, the estate now spans around 550 to 600 hectares. Under the impetus of Count Giuseppe Tasca d'Almerita in the 1950s, and then his son Lucio, the estate played a pioneering role in the modern Sicilian wine renaissance. Now led by Alberto Tasca d'Almerita, representing the family’s eighth generation, the estate manages five distinct properties across Sicily. The estate stands out for its environmental commitment, becoming in 2017 the first Italian winery certified VIVA/SOStain, and receiving the prestigious Robert Parker Green Emblem in 2021. The family also co-founded Assovini Sicilia in 1998, contributing to the international reach of Sicilian wines.

The vineyard

Riserva del Conte 2010 comes exclusively from the historic San Lucio vineyard, planted in 1959 by Count Giuseppe within the Contea di Sclafani appellation. This seven-hectare vineyard sits at 480 meters above sea level with a south-southeast exposure. The soils are yellow-brown silty-sandy, partially limestone. The vines are trained using the traditional alberello (bush vine) system, an ancestral Mediterranean method, at a planting density of 4,400 to 6,000 vines per hectare. This traditional training, while highly labor-intensive, promotes natural concentration in the grapes and optimal expression of the terroir.

The vintage

The 2010 vintage was selected for this special cuvée due to its exceptional analytical and organoleptic quality. The climatic conditions made it possible to achieve ideal ripeness in the grapes, offering a perfect balance between concentration and freshness. This year was considered remarkable enough to justify the revival of the historic Riserva del Conte designation, forty years after the first 1970 vintage, thus celebrating the anniversary of this emblematic cuvée.

Winemaking and aging

Vinification of Riserva del Conte 2010 took place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with temperatures starting at 20°C and reaching 28°C at peak fermentation. Skin maceration lasted twenty-five days, allowing optimal extraction of phenolic compounds and color. After spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the wine was aged for twenty-six months in 500-liter chestnut barrels, in keeping with the estate’s traditional methods. This choice of chestnut vessels, rather than classic Bordeaux barriques, reflects a commitment to historic practices while ensuring contemporary quality standards.

Grape varieties

Perricone (67%)
Nero d'avola (33%)