Perricone 'Microcosmo' Cantine Barbera 2018

Cantine Barbera's 'Microcosmo' is a Sicilian red based on Perricone, with a small percentage of Nerello Mascalese. It is a typically territorial wine made from the grapes of an ancient vine historically present in western Sicily. In the past, Perricone was used to produce Marsala Ruby, but in recent decades it has been rediscovered and enhanced by a number of local producers. It is a red wine with a Mediterranean face, with aromas of small berries, aromatic herbs and hints of oriental spices that make it particularly fascinating. Its smooth sip and fresh profile make it the perfect table companion with certain typical Sicilian dishes, such as arancine di riso al sugo, meatballs or fegatelli.

Perricone 'Microcosmo' originates on the Menfi coast, an area with a hot and sunny climate but always ventilated, thanks to sea breezes. It is in this beautiful area that Marilena Barbera manages an estate of around 15 hectares, cultivated with the typical varieties of the area, in particular Grillo, Catarratto, Insolia, Zibibibbo, Perricone and Nero d'Avola. The vines are organically farmed, and the winery follows the winemaking process with minimal intervention. The 'Microcosmo' vineyard was planted in 2007 and is composed of 90% Perricone and 10% Cananese, an ancient clone of Nerello Mascalese. It is a real cru on the estate, characterised by medium-textured soils, mainly consisting of alluvial clays, which are very well suited to Perricone. The two varieties are cultivated promiscuously, and the harvest takes place simultaneously towards the end of August, with manual picking and selection of the best bunches in the vineyard.

The 'Microcosmo' Perricone wine from the Sicilian Barbera winery is an artisanal wine which is made with spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, using only indigenous yeasts and with maceration on the skins for a couple of weeks. The wine matures for about 12 months in old tonneaux exhausted, which gives no hint of wood to the wine. Bottling takes place without any filtration or clarification. The colour is brilliant ruby red with slight garnet reflections. The olfactory profile expresses aromas of Mediterranean herbs, small red berries, hints of oriental spices, incense, nuances of capers and black olives. The taste is intense, rich and juicy, with a dense tannic texture and a finish of lively freshness.