Tasca d'Almerita
Vigna San Francesco Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
| Denomination | DOC Sicilia Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Sicily (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Aging | Aged for 18 months in 225-litre French oak barrels (Allier and Tronçais), 100% new, followed by 6 months in bottle. |
| Other years | 2019 , 2012 , 2020 |
- Grape variety and origin: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Sicily DOC, Tenuta Regaleali
- Ageing: 18 months in new French oak barriques and 6 months in bottle
- Aromas: wild berries, vanilla, black pepper, tobacco, cinnamon, mint and sage
- Serving temperature and pairings: serve at 16-18°C, decant for one hour; ideal with meats, game and cheeses
- Certifications and ratings: organic and sustainable; 96/100 James Suckling, 93/100 Vinous
Description
What kind of wine it is
Regaleali Vigna San Francesco Cabernet Sauvignon is a structured still red from the Tasca d’Almerita winery, a splendid expression of the Sicilian territory. In the glass, it displays an intense ruby red colour, crossed by elegant garnet reflections. The bouquet is a refined blend of notes of wild berries, vanilla, black pepper, tobacco and cinnamon, enhanced by fresh hints of mint and sage. On the palate, a ripe and concentrated fruit emerges, set within a soft tannic structure and an excellent overall balance. At the table, it pairs perfectly with meats, game and mature and blue cheeses. Decanting for an hour is recommended, and serving between sixteen and eighteen degrees.
Where it comes from
This Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the Regaleali Estate, in the province of Palermo, within the historic Vigna San Francesco. The vines grow on deep fine clay soils, characterised by a valuable limestone component. The nine-hectare vineyard, planted in 1984, stands at five hundred and fifty metres above sea level and enjoys excellent south-west exposure. The espalier training system counts four thousand one hundred and sixty plants per hectare, with a yield of forty-one quintals. This rigorous production ensures maximum aromatic concentration of the grapes, cultivated according to a biological and sustainable regime.
How it is produced
The harvest, carried out between the end of September and the beginning of October, precedes the red vinification in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation lasts for twenty days at a controlled temperature between twenty and twenty-eight degrees. Subsequently, the wine matures for eighteen months in new French oak barrels from the Allier and Tronçais forests. This is followed by a final six-month refinement in the bottle, essential for the organoleptic profile to reach its perfect gustatory harmony.
History and Curiosities
Born in 1984 from the bold intuition of Count Lucio Tasca at the Regaleali Estate, this wine represents Sicily’s first pure Cabernet Sauvignon. The historic 1988 harvest marked a pioneering turning point, paving the way for international grape varieties in the island’s winemaking. Masterfully aged in French oak barriques, it elegantly enhances the originality of its terroir of origin. The absolute prestige of the San Francesco Vineyard is today confirmed by the world’s most authoritative guides, among which stand out the excellent 96 points from James Suckling.
Awards
-
2021
4Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2021
96/100
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.
-
2021
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
-
2021
93/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2021
4Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) guide
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- 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 Vigna San Francesco Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red green still |
| Denomination | Sicilia DOC |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Tasca d'Almerita |
| Story | History and Curiosities Born in 1984 from the bold intuition of Count Lucio Tasca at the Regaleali Estate, this wine represents Sicily’s first pure Cabernet Sauvignon. The historic 1988 harvest marked a pioneering turning point, paving the way for international grape varieties in the island’s winemaking. Masterfully aged in French oak barriques, it elegantly enhances the originality of its terroir of origin. The absolute prestige of the San Francesco Vineyard is today confirmed by the world’s most authoritative guides, among which stand out the excellent 96 points from James Suckling. |
| Origin | Tenuta Regaleali, Palermo, Sicilia (Vigna San Francesco) |
| Soil composition | Deep, fine clay, slightly calcareous |
| Cultivation system | Espalier |
| Plants per hectare | 4160 |
| Yield per hectare | 41 quintals per hectare |
| Harvest | 30 September and 1 October |
| Fermentation temperature | 20-28 °C |
| Fermentation | 20 days |
| Production technique | Traditional red wine vinification in stainless steel tanks at 20-28 °C |
| Wine making | Traditional red vinification in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (20-28 °C), with fermentation lasting 20 days; aged for 18 months in 225-litre French oak barriques (Allier and Tronçais), 100% new, followed by 6 months in bottle. |
| Aging | Aged for 18 months in 225-litre French oak barrels (Allier and Tronçais), 100% new, followed by 6 months in bottle. |
| Total acidity | 5.4 gr/L |
| PH | 3.79 |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |