Perricone 'Ribeca' Firriato 2018

This Perricone "Ribeca" is the result of the Firriato winery's decades-long commitment to recovering in grand style Perricone, a traditional variety of Sicilian viticulture that has now almost completely disappeared. The "Ribeca," as illustrated on the label, is an ancient musical instrument, the ancestor of the violin, and never is the name more apt for this bottle, in which the Perricone symbolizes the harmony of ancient music that is almost completely forgotten, but still knows how to create full and delicate melodies. A rare wine to be paired with savoury dishes such as tasty cannelloni topped with pecorino cheese.

Firriato's "Ribeca" Perricone is made from the grapes of this indigenous Sicilian grape variety, grown within the vineyards of the Pianoro Cuddìa Estate, characterized by a mainly calcareous and clay subsoil and exposed to the south and southwest, about 200 meters above sea level. The clusters, carefully picked during the harvest stage, are destemmed, and the berries are headed for the pressing stage. The must, after fermentation, is rested for 12 months in French oak barrels, after which the Firriato winery begins preparations for bottling.

This Perricone "Ribeca" Firriato reveals itself to the eye with an intense colour reminiscent of ruby. The nose is interesting, starting with a scale of fruity notes and then closing towards spicy scents and touches of liquorice and juniper. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a full and round mouthfeel enhanced by fine and elegant tannins; it closes with a finish of pleasant freshness. A bottle that certifies the great work done by the Firriato winery on the Perricone grape variety, elevated to sublime levels of quality, as demonstrated by the excellent scores obtained at national and international levels.