Catarratto is a native Sicilian white grape predominantly located in the western part of the island. The Feudo Montoni estate is situated in central Sicily, featuring the "Vigna del Masso," a single-vineyard plot with ancient vines. It exudes lively floral scents, strong minerality, and fresh herb aromas. The Albarello (tree) vines thrive at a high altitude of 700 meters above sea level, offering a fresh, mouth-watering acidity.
Masso is a vineyard scattered with rocks, abundant in iron and sand, facing east at an elevation of 700m. The 55-year-old vines are bush-trained with a density of 2800 vines per hectare. The grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed; one-quarter undergoes skin fermentation using wild yeasts. After fermentation, the wine is aged on the lees for 6 months in cement tanks, with regular bâtonnage.
Should be available at:
Bin 104 Wine & Spirits: 5454 Calgary Trail NW Edmonton
Vine Arts Wine & Spirits: 10961-124 St. Edmonton
Wine Enthusiast: 91 pts
“Warmed pavement and garden hose give way to yellow peach and green apple on the nose before the palate gives more green apple, fresh and candied, before a salty, mineral finish.”— Danielle Calle
While I may understand the taste of wet cement, the concept of “garden hose” is a bit far fetched in my books. It offers more of melon and white peach with fig, dried sage, piercing pink grapefruit and paw paw flavours, sour apple and sea salt. An engaging and vibrant wine.
Other reviews:
94 points Luca Maroni (Jun 2023).
91 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Sweet honeyed florals, peaches and wet stone form an inviting bouquet as the 2022 Catarratto Masso wafts up from the glass. It's silky smooth yet has a contrasting salty tinge. Nectarine and spiced orange notes settle upon the senses. This tapers off spicy with a tropical flourish. The 2022 leaves the palate crisply refreshed. Drink: 2023-2025. (Sep 2023)"
90 points Decanter: "Bush vine Catarratto from Vigna del Masso, at 750 metres above sea level in Montoni in central Sicily, vinified with some skin contact in cement tanks. Peachy and floral, it has a slightly waxy quality, good intensity, and a touch of salinity to its pithy and peachy fruit. Vibrant finish. Drinking Window: 2023-2028. (May 2023)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] Delivers lip-smacking acidity wrapped in a lightly fleshy texture -- a well-balanced frame for notes of ripe pineapple, white peach and blood orange peel. Fragrant and floral, with minerally hints of chalk and saline on the finish. Drink now. (2/29/24)"
90 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright silver, straw yellow colour. Very fragrant, floral nose of white flowers, iced candy, Granny Smith apple and citrus in the background. Juicy on the palate, with a delicate fruit core and well-integrated acidity, with notes of rosemary and white peach, minimally bitter finish. (Oct 2023)"
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