Tasca d'Almerita
Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco 2023
| Denomination | DOC Sicilia Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | Sicily (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Aging | In 225-litre French oak barrels (Allier and Tronçais), 70% new and 30% second use, for 8 months. In bottle for 6 months. |
- Grape variety and style: 100% Chardonnay, still dry white wine with a structured and mineral profile
- Origin: San Francesco vineyard at the Regaleali Estate, Contea di Sclafani denomination, Sicily
- Vinification: hand-picked and fermented for 15 days in French oak at 18°C
- Ageing: 8 months in barrique (70% new) and 6 months in bottle; no malolactic fermentation
- Profile and pairings: exotic fruit and vanilla; ideal with raclette and strong cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Regaleali Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco is a still, structured white wine, an authentic expression of Tasca d’Almerita. Fully showcasing the Chardonnay grape, it reveals an intense flavour profile balanced by a distinct mineral freshness. On the nose, it offers a complex interplay of exotic fruit, yellow peach and apple, enriched by elegant hints of citron, vanilla and white chocolate. On the palate, it is enveloping, displaying perfect synergy between the smoothness imparted by ageing in French oak barrels and a persistent finish with delicate saline notes. Its richness makes it ideal for pairing with flavourful dishes and strong-tasting cheeses.
Where it comes from
The wine originates from the Regaleali Estate, located among the hills of the County of Sclafani. The grapes come from the San Francesco vineyard, situated at five hundred and thirty metres above sea level with a sunny south-west exposure. The deep soils, of clay-sandy origin with slight calcareous presence, ensure ideal vine development. The climate is characterised by dry winters and cool summers, guaranteeing valuable temperature variations between day and night. This combination, together with ventilation and the influence of the sea, promotes full ripening of the grapes while preserving their original aromatic clarity.
How it is produced
Vinification begins with careful manual harvesting carried out between August and September. Gentle pressing allows only the free-run must to be extracted, which ferments for fifteen days at a controlled temperature. To preserve the wine’s natural acidity and lively character, malolactic fermentation is not carried out. Ageing continues for eight months in fine oak barrels from Allier and Tronçais, both new and second use, followed by a further six months of bottle ageing. The entire production process follows a strict organic approach, adopting sustainable practices that respect the environment and enhance the unique characteristics of the region.
History and Curiosities
Born from the enterprise of Count Lucio Tasca, this pure Chardonnay from the Regaleali Estate has demonstrated the immense potential of international grape varieties in Sicily since 1989, recalling the unforgettable appearance of Botrytis Cinerea in 1991. The skilful ageing in French oak barriques imparts an intense and structured sip, where the creaminess of the wood harmoniously blends with a vibrant mineral freshness. Awarded by critics with the 5 Grappoli Bibenda and 94 points from James Suckling, this prestigious white enriches every tasting experience.
Awards
-
2023
5Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2023
94/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1830
- Oenologist: Laura Orsi
- Hectares: 697
The Tasca family is internationally recognized for its pioneering role in modern Sicilian winemaking. Since 2001, Tasca d’Almerita has pursued a project focused on enhancing native grape varieties in the island’s most vocated territories. Alongside Regaleali—the historic estate spanning approximately 500 hectares—new estates have been added: Capofaro on the island of Salina, Tascante on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Whitaker on the island of Mozia, and Sallier de La Tour in the Monreale DOC.
In 2019, Tasca d’Almerita was named "European Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast magazine. In 2021, it became one of only 24 wineries worldwide to be awarded the prestigious "Green Emblem" for sustainability by Robert Parker – Wine Advocate. Since March 2023, already a Benefit Corporation, it has earned the esteemed international B Corp certification, joining a select group of companies committed to the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability. In 2025, Tasca d’Almerita received the "Historic Brand" recognition and was officially registered in the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Read more
| Name | Tenuta Regaleali Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green still semi-aromatic |
| Denomination | Sicilia DOC |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Tasca d'Almerita |
| Story | History and Curiosities Born from the enterprise of Count Lucio Tasca, this pure Chardonnay from the Regaleali Estate has demonstrated the immense potential of international grape varieties in Sicily since 1989, recalling the unforgettable appearance of Botrytis Cinerea in 1991. The skilful ageing in French oak barriques imparts an intense and structured sip, where the creaminess of the wood harmoniously blends with a vibrant mineral freshness. Awarded by critics with the 5 Grappoli Bibenda and 94 points from James Suckling, this prestigious white enriches every tasting experience. |
| Origin | Tenuta Regaleali, San Francesco hill, Sclafani County (between Palermo and Caltanissetta), Sicily, Italy |
| Climate | Mild and dry winter; warm and dry spring; cool and dry summer, with good temperature variations between day and night. |
| Soil composition | Deep, clay-sandy and slightly calcareous. |
| Cultivation system | Guyot |
| Plants per hectare | 4160 |
| Yield per hectare | 60 q/ha |
| Harvest | Between the end of August and early September |
| Fermentation temperature | 18 °C |
| Fermentation | Approximately 15 days |
| Production technique | Manual harvest; soft pressing; fermentation in 225-litre French oak barrels (Allier and Tronçais); ageing in barriques (70% new, 30% second use) and then in bottle. |
| Wine making | Manual harvest between late August and early September; gentle pressing to obtain the free-run must; fermentation for about 15 days in French oak barrels (Allier and Tronçais) at 18°C; malolactic fermentation not carried out; ageing for 8 months in 225-litre barriques (70% new, 30% second use) followed by further ageing in bottle for 6 months. |
| Aging | In 225-litre French oak barrels (Allier and Tronçais), 70% new and 30% second use, for 8 months. In bottle for 6 months. |
| Total acidity | 6.3 gr/L |
| PH | 3.51 |
| Residual sugar | 2.1 gr/L |
| Dry extract | 24.4 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |