93pts Vinous

Dark depths of crushed plums, black cherries, balsam herbs and dark chocolate form a beguiling display as the 2019 Nero d'Avola Vrucara smolders up from the glass. This is pure elegance, silky and textural, yet full of youthful tension, with tart wild berries and zesty citrus colliding under an air of inner rose. The 2019 is structured with sweet tannins and is dramatically extended, showing hints of brown spice, mocha and clove that linger on and on and on. This is a powerful rendition of Vrucara.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

A sweet, playful nose features chocolate and strawberry milk, plus maraschino cherries, like any good ice cream shop. The palate stays sweet with vanilla and more strawberries and cherries, but a slightly powderiness keeps everyone in a line. Smooth tannins create an enjoyably slick texture.

92pts Wine Spectator

A sleek, mineral-driven red, with a warm note of plum pudding enlivened by the tang of balsamico acidity and fragrant, snappy hints of wild cherry, eucalyptus, violet and sandalwood. Shows chalky tannins, which are enmeshed in the silky range of flavors but emerge to firm the iron- and smoke-laced finish. Nero d'Avola. Best from 2025 through 2034. 930 cases made, 375 cases imported.

Tasting Notes

A bright ruby red color, Vrucara is intense and persistent on the nose with earthy aromas, notes of red plum and dark berries, which are in harmony with notes of red rose
petal, wormwood, balsamic, eucalyptus and licorice. Soft and velvety on the palate, with a delicate acidity and well-balanced and soft tannins. Vrucara has a prolonged aromatic persistence on the finish.

Vineyard Notes

Vrucara is the name of the cru from which the grapes hail. It takes this name from the presence of vruca, a Sicilian word for a bush that grows spontaneously around the vineyard. This herb has aromas of menthol mixed with those of incense oil that is almost palpable in the resulting wine. Vrucara is the product of a vineyard with ancient roots, sourced from prephylloxera vines that are considered to be the “mother plants” of the estate’s Nero d'Avola. These unique vines hold an ancient genetic code of the grape, preserved for centuries in Feudo Montoni’s vineyards. This wine reflects the deep history of Sicilian viticulture, with Vrucara being a prime example of Feudo Montoni’s commitment to preserving ancient grape varieties. The vineyard’s soils, rich in clay and sand, contribute to the uniqueness of the wine, offering a complex structure that reflects the island’s terroir.

Winery Notes

Feudo Montoni has been producing top-quality wines on its historic grounds since 1469. The winery is currently overseen by Fabio Sireci, the third generation of a family
dedicated to producing the most refined expressions of this long-cultivated terrior.

Blend: 100% Nero d’Avola

Organic