Feudo Arancio: a love between natives and outlanders

Wine Stories 18 April 2016 Italian Wine Chronicle

Feudo Arancio: a love between natives and outlanders

In the early 2000s, the Mezzacorona Group, third Italian wine-making reality in terms of turnover, decided to invest in Sicily, at first acquiring an estate in Sambuca (in the province of Agrigento), then another one in Acate, near Ragusa. This is how the project of Feudo Arancio was born: two model estates that, together, exceed one thousand hectares of land, of which about 700 are vineyards. As Fabio Maccari, director general, explained: “The two wineries are located in the best areas for winegrowing in Sicily. Our goal was to produce wines with a rich and harmonious personality.

In terms of variety, the strategy is twofold:

On one side, the enhancement of typical grape varieties, Nero d’Avola, Grillo and Inzola in the first place; on the other, the experimentation with non-native varietals, such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We actually introduced the varietals with which we were most familiar, and in which we already had experience and competence in Mezzacorona area, both from an agronomical and commercial point of view.” Grapes are grown and treated only with the latest technologies, but still with all the passion that characterizes Sicilian farmers. “We are pursuing territorial authenticity, in order to feel the taste of the most authentic Sicily in every sip,” continued Maccari, who also underlined the importance of environmental sustainability. This “going green” policy is realized through an integrated pest control and grassing over of the land, as well as by means of a systematic use of renewable energy and an optimization of water consumption.

The wines of Feudo Arancio are results of native and non-native varietals

“We were among the first to achieve the environmental certification by EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), and today our wineries are considered “neutral” in terms of use of electric power, which basically means that they produce approximately as much as they consume. In order to combat harmful insects, we have also introduced alternative agronomic technique from Trentino, such as the method of “reproductive confusion”.” Most of the wines are made of Sicilia DOC mono-varietals, but many other are the result of the happy encounter between native and non-native varietals. This is the case of the company’s top wines, such as the white Dalila (a blend of Grillo and Viognier) and the red Cantodoro (a blend of Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon). Dalila is a fragrant selection with a nose of tropical fruits, a fresh and fruity taste and delicate note of citrus. Absolutely elegant. Cantodoro, instead, represents the whole complexity and richness of Sicily. A wine with a structure and a body intended for aging.

Contadoro

THE TWO SOULS OF SICILY

Grapes Nero d’Avola 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%

Composition of the soil sandy-clayey, rich in texture Vinification andaging separate vinifications for each grape variety. Maceration of 6-8 days for Nero d’Avola, 8-10 days for Cabernet Sauvignon. After malolactic fermentation, maturation in French oak barriques for 12 months. Then additional 4 months in barriques and 8 months of bottles refinement

Total Acidity 5.1 g/l pH 3,6

Dry Extract 29.5 g/l

Alcohol content 13.5% vol.

Bottles 25,000

Price 20 euros