2022 Cantine Madaudo - Cerasuolo di Vittoria Barone Bernaj (750ml)

Cantine Madaudo traces back to 1945, when the Madaudo family first began tending vines on a small farm in Villafranca Tirrena, a coastal commune on Sicily's northeastern tip near Messina. Four generations later, young winemaker Rosario Madaudo works alongside his father, Alfio, and uncle, Andrea, overseeing an estate that has grown to include vineyards on the north slope of Mount Etna and further parcels near Agrigento, on the opposite side of the island. Their range spans several distinct Sicilian terroirs, unified by a hands-on, family approach to winemaking.

Barone di Bernaj is made under Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the only DOCG appellation on the island, which requires a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato in specific proportions. The fruit for this bottling comes from vineyards planted at around 500 meters, just east of the Etna DOC zone, where volcanic soils and a sun-drenched climate shape the grapes' character. After fermentation, the wine spends about six months in French barrique, enough to add polish without masking the variety's natural lift.

The 2022 offers dark plum and red berry fruit alongside juicy blood orange, with secondary notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and earthy spice. Medium to full in body, it carries balanced acidity and present but manageable tannins through a dry, food-friendly finish. Pair it with arancini, braised oxtail, or a plate of grilled eggplant for a taste of true Sicilian comfort food.