2016 Feudo Montoni Nero d'Avola 'Vrucara,' Sicily

Fabio Sireci is the third generation Sireci to run the Feudo Montoni estate which is pretty signifcant in the context of modern Sicilian wineries. However, his estate actually has a history of producing wine on the land since the 15th century. Part of the splendor of this consequential property are the ancient vines, some dating back before phylloxera invaded Sicily in the late 1800's. 'Vrucara' is Feudo Montoni's signature bottling with all of the fruit coming from a single vineyard of the aforementioned pre-phylloxera vines planted in the traditional bush training method. Bush-trained vine are typical for such old vineyards and really crucial for making high quality, concentrated wines in a climate like Sicily's due to their ability to provide drought resistance. The vineyard takes its name from the 'vruca' a a local species of bush grown all throughout the vineyards which imparts an intriguing herbaceous element to the wine reminiscent of menthol and sage.