2020 Calogero Caruana Vino Bianco

Sicily, Italy

Calogero Caruana is one of the most exciting winemakers I met in Sicily. This young natural winemaker has planted his ancestral family lands in Monteallegro, a region of southern Sicily not well known for its wines. He holds less than two hectares of vineyards that he planted himself- they are less than 2km from the sea and full of sand and limestone. Fruit from younger vines is aged in a slightly drained cask with a presence of flor. Fruit from the 50 year old vines is macerated on the skins without destemming.  Organic, unfined and unfiltered. Only 2000 bottles made and only 3 cases imported to California.   Deep bright amber colour. Unusual, complex and intriguing orange wine. Medium bodied, round, with mellow tannins and good acidity. On the nose there were aromas of ripe tropical fruits, fig,  fig leaves and spices.