Nero d'Avola Riserva 'Don Antonio' Morgante 2021

Nero d'Avola Riserva 'Don Antonio' is the flagship label of the Sicilian Morgante winery, a red wine that brings out the characteristic spiciness and intensity of Nero d'Avola, the island's most widely planted black grape variety. This bottle was produced for the first time with the 1998 vintage, immediately distinguishing itself for its value and quality, and acting as the Morgante family's response to the changes in consumer taste that were taking place, more oriented towards wines that tell the story of the territory. Twenty years later, in 2018, 'Don Antonio' was enriched with the term 'Riserva', to further underline its prestige with a term that is also understandable internationally.

Nero d'Avola Morgante 'Don Antonio' Riserva originates from pure Nero d'Avola grapes grown at an altitude of 500-550 metres above sea level on white soils characterised by a high limestone component and the presence of clay. Following the harvest, the grapes are transferred to the cellar and mellowed in stainless steel tanks, containers in which malolactic fermentation takes place accompanied by about 20 days of maceration on the skins, all at a controlled temperature of 26-28 °C. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in stainless steel and the wine is then matured for 12 months in new French oak barriques of the Allier, Tronçais and Never types. This is followed by a further refinement of one year in the bottle before final release.

Morgante's 'Don Antonio' Nero d'Avola Riserva is an intense ruby red colour. The nose reveals vivid fruity aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry and plum, enriched by deep sensations of liquorice and chocolate. Silky softness and impressive structure on the palate, elements well balanced by pleasant freshness and velvety tannin.