Hints of ripe fruit, cinnamon, and licorice and an intense and harmonious taste allow for a fresher wine, with delicate tannins and easy to drink style.

Nero d'Avola Alto comes from the vineyards on the slopes of the hills of Tenuta Rapitalà, in Camporeale, at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level. The Nero d'Avola grapes are harvested at the peak of phenolic ripening and following a traditional vinification in red and subsequent aging, this wine is obtained, a perfect example of the evolution of Nero d'Avola in this particular terroir.

Alto Reale is a celebration of the hillscapes in the Alcamo area and their majestic elegance. The fruit is grown in various microclimates so bringing out a pleasing freshness and delicate tannins.

Alto Reale is sourced from a single high altitude vineyard on a 12 acre parcel of Rapitalà’s 500+ acres estate. The vineyard lies between at a high elevation of 1,300 to 1,700 feet and is planted to 10 year old cordon-spur trained Nero d’Avola vines. The terrain is dry and steep forcing the vines to dig deep into the barren soil. This high-altitude location sees significant diurnal changes in temperature, allowing for greater aromatic complexity and the development of a strong acidic backbone in the final wine.

Made with organic grapes (not certified organic though!). Fruit is hand harvested and brought to the cellars in small crates to avoid disturbing the ripe grapes. The grapes are cooled at the winery right at the foot of the vineyards. The must is macerated and vinified with pump-overs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Following racking the young wine is transferred into third use or older French oak barriques where it will rest for five months before another racking and an additional 7 months in larger 50 hl oak barrels. The goal is a slow and delicate aging that stabilizes tannins and polyphenols.

For pairing, meat dishes such as roasts and braised meats or more delicate white meats such as chicken and rabbit are perfect. Grilled meats, charcuterie, mature cheeses, pizza, and red-sauce pasta dishes. Also perfect with hard cheeses such as Ragusano.