Scaramazzo Moscato Passito di Noto 2018

Located in the far south of Sicily below Syracuse , the Moscato Di Noto appellation covers the areas of Noto, Avola and Pachino. It represents only a few dozen hectares. The grapes ( 100% Muscat à petits grains ) are grown in a favorable Mediterranean climate, with calcareous and volcanic soils, which create a perfect setting for viticulture. This wine is distinguished by the method of drying the grapes. The Moscato bunches are carefully hand-picked when they reach full maturity and are in perfect condition, then they are exposed to the sun on mats for 8 days. This drying technique allows the grapes to concentrate their sugars and aromas, giving the wine its sweet and complex flavor that is unique to it. The grapes then underwent a maceration of about 8 hours, then were pressed and fermented at a temperature in stainless steel vats. The fermentation was interrupted naturally by a passage in the cold when it reached about 9.5% alcohol, in order to preserve a sufficient quantity of residual sugars. This wine has a dense and brilliant light gold color. The bouquet immediately strikes with a superb aromatic freshness dominated by aromas of orange peel , fresh almonds , rose , citrus jam, roasted peach and candied quince . On the palate, the balance between the acidity and the natural sweetness of the wine is astonishing. At no time do we perceive a heaviness due to its richness in natural sugars. The finish stretches out at length on notes of fresh citrus fruits and orange blossom. An absolutely delicious wine in its genre!

Residual sugars 150g/l

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others... But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion. Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!