What kind of wine is Sicilia DOC Cabernet Sauvignon 'Vigna San Francesco' 2020 - Tenuta Regaleali, Tasca d’Almerita

The Sicilia DOC Cabernet Sauvignon 'Vigna San Francesco' 2020 - Tenuta Regaleali, Tasca d’Almerita represents one of the most authentic interpretations of the renowned Bordeaux grape variety on Sicilian soil. Born in the heart of the hinterland, among breezy hills and soils rich in clay and limestone, this red combines elegance and structure. The grape variety is a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, carefully cultivated at Tenuta Regaleali, one of the most representative wineries of island viticulture. The result is a full-bodied, deep, and harmonious wine, capable of expressing the character of the territory where it was born.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions. A mild winter and regular rainfall ensured good water reserves, while the dry spring allowed for homogeneous bud break. Summer temperature swings between day and night helped maintain good aromatic freshness and excellent phenolic ripeness of the skins, resulting in soft tannins and intense aromas. The harvest, carried out manually in early October, allowed for the selection of only the healthiest and ripest bunches.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Sicilia DOC Cabernet Sauvignon 'Vigna San Francesco' 2020 follows a path of precision and respect for the fruit. After destemming, alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, with maceration on the skins for about 20 days. This phase allows for the balanced extraction of color and tannins. Subsequently, the wine matures for about 18 months in French oak barriques, where it develops complexity and roundness, and then ages further in the bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

A wine of great character that best expresses the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in Sicily. Its sensory components blend into a balance of structure, finesse, and pleasant drinkability.

Color

Visually, it presents a deep ruby red with slight garnet hues, indicative of good evolution in the bottle.

Nose

The bouquet is complex and enveloping. Notes of ripe black fruits such as blackberry and blackcurrant emerge, followed by balsamic hints, sweet spices, and a touch of tobacco and cocoa derived from wood aging. The aromatic component is clean and persistent, with a subtle mineral trace reflecting the estate's soil.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is structured yet harmonious. The fine and well-integrated tannins support a rich and coherent taste profile. Freshness balances the intensity of the fruit, accompanied by a long and persistent finish, with hints of chocolate and spices. It is a red of great balance, ideal for those seeking an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with a Mediterranean character.

What dishes to pair with Sicilia DOC Cabernet Sauvignon 'Vigna San Francesco' 2020 - Tenuta Regaleali, Tasca d’Almerita

Thanks to its structure and aromatic profile, this wine pairs perfectly with rich and savory dishes. It is recommended to serve it slightly aerated to best appreciate its complexity.

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Game and braised meats
• Aged cheeses with intense notes
• Traditional Sicilian meat dishes, such as falsomagro

Also perfect as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed slowly, perhaps paired with a cheese board or a good book.

Storage and aging: how to store Sicilia DOC Cabernet Sauvignon 'Vigna San Francesco' 2020 - Tenuta Regaleali, Tasca d’Almerita

This wine has remarkable aging potential. To maintain its qualities over time, it is important to store it in a cool place, with a constant temperature around 14-16°C, away from direct light and vibrations. Bottles should be stored horizontally so that the cork remains constantly moist and well-sealed.

The Sicilia DOC Cabernet Sauvignon 'Vigna San Francesco' 2020 can age in the bottle for over ten years, developing increasingly complex aromas and refined softness. It is a wine to discover today, but also to rediscover over time, as an evolved expression of Tasca d’Almerita's great winemaking tradition.