Tasca d’Almerita’s wines show up here on Drinkhacker fairly regularly, the Sicilian operation dropping a wide range of styles beyond the expected nero d’avola (though they make that, as well). Dating back to 1830 Tasca’s Tenuta Regaleali winery is one of its biggest and most noteworthy, and today we look at four wines from this iconic, mountain-based operation — two whites and two reds.

2018 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali “Antisa” Catarratto Sicilia DOC – Sicily’s most ancient grape, catarratto is a (very) late-harvested white that has become rare these days. The wine is agreeable on all fronts, a light fruit-and-flower note typical of Sicilian whites that slides slowly into a buttery coconut and shortbread note. The finish is a touch leathery, but otherwise fresh and lively. B+ / $20

2018 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Grillo-Cavallo delle Fate Sicilia DOC – 100% grillo, an ancient varietal which is a spontaneous cross between zibbibo and catarratto. Aggressive with notes of preserved lemon up front, there’s a white pepper element and some honeysuckle that gives the palate more nuance, though it’s not entirely in balance. It’s a wine that improves as it warms up, letting more acidity temper the wine’s floral elements. B / $17

2017 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Perricone Guarnaccio Sicilia DOC – 100% perricone, a varietal often described as similar to barbera, and usually used as blending grape. And here the grape really shines. Brisk with acidity but dripping with fresh herbs, notes of rosemary, thyme, and cloves all coalesce into a surprisingly well-rounded and balanced whole, where fruit interplays deftly with ample herbs — and even a touch of chocolate on the finish. Best value. A / $16

2016 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Lamuri Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC – A straightforward representation of nero d’avola, this wine has an upfront density that connotes prunes and blackberry jam, then slides slowly into a heavier herbal character, thick with licorice, sage, and rosemary. The finish is a bit beefy, a touch too savory at times. B+ / $15

tascadalmerita.it

2017 Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Perricone Guarnaccio Sicilia DOC

$16

9.5

Rating

9.5/10