Tasca d'Almerita

In the middle of the Sicilian hills, southeast of Palermo, is one of the most famous wineries in Sicily, Regaleali. At first glance, the hills here in the interior look arid and dry. Once you arrive at the estate of the Tasca d'Almerita family, you will feel like you are in an oasis. The estate extends over 500 hectares, 320 of which are reserved for the vine. Here, a special irrigation system provides much-needed water. It is the only way to grow grapes here. Viticulture here has a surprisingly long history. The grapevine was successfully introduced here more than a hundred years ago. The key to success lies mainly in the height of the vineyards. At the seaside, it does not cool down at night in this climate. Here in the mountains, at an altitude of 450-700 meters above sea level, it is very different. It is pleasantly chilly here at night. The overnight cooling produces grapes with special fruit aromas.

The family's wines are marketed under the name Regaleali, the historical name of this region. Over the years, a number of domains have been added to the parent company Regaleali. Tenuta Capofaro on the island of Salina in the Aeolian archipelago, Tascante at the foot of Mount Etna, Sallier de La Tour in Monreale, and Fondazione Whitaker on the island of Mozia. Each Tenuta has its own personal characteristics, with characteristic characteristics of the environment where the grapes are planted, which you can taste in the different wines.

They boast of having their own, indigenous grape variety, the tasca grape. In addition, other grapes from the island are often used for the wines, such as the growing popularity of Nero d'Avola. A logical choice, because it is precisely the grapes from the island itself that are best able to withstand the hot and dry climate. But to really become known, more is needed. People here were well aware of this, so that in the mid-eighties it was decided to plant two internationally known grapes: Chardonnay for white and Cabernet-Sauvignon for red. Separate wines based on these grapes, planted in 1985, caused an international furore. After that, they also managed to make a name for themselves with the products based on their own grapes – fortunately. Regaleali's reputation was established. Deserved recognition for this special estate, which perfectly combines modern grapes and ditto forms of winemaking with tradition, stemming from a tradition of more than 150 years.