Nesci
Fra Antonio
Powerful and elegant red
Fra Antonio is a blend of two grape varieties in equal proportion, the powerful local Nocera grape along with the more delicate Nerello Mascalese famous for being grown on the Mount Etna on the opposite Sicilian coast. Fra Antonio is the flagship wine of the estate and it has been named after one of the three founding Nesci brothers who dedicated his life to caring for the estate. This is an elegant and powerful wine that has aged 15 months in big and small barrels of old French Oak.
Nerello Mascalese is a dark-skinned grape variety that primarily grows on the volcanic slopes of the Mount Etna in Sicily. It is also grown in the neighbouring Calabria region where it is often blended with other local grapes. The variety takes its name from the Mascali plain between the Mount Etna and the coast where it is thought to have originated. Despite its rarity, the wine offers amazing value and a taste profile that is often likened to fine Pinot Noir. Nerello Mascalese produces exceptionally fine, floral wines when grown on sandy volcanic soils.
Nocera is a red grape that has probably originated in the area around the town of Messina in north-eastern Sicily. It is today mainly grown in the neighbouring Calabria. Unlike the Nerello Mascalese, Nocera grape gives deep coloured wines, with great body, acidity and strength.
The Nerello Mascalese and Nocera vines grow on steep hills overlooking the sea on sandy soil at around 250 metres a.s.l.
The wine ages for 15 months in small and big French oak barrels.
This wine offers a fruity nose of dark cherry and prune blended with balsamic notes of eucalyptus and sandalwood and hints of vanilla. Rich and round with crisp acidity on the palate with notes of chocolate and sweet liquorice. Long and complex finish.
Red meat, game, mature cheeses
Vintage: 2015
Grape: 50% Nerello Mascalese 50% Nocera
Region: Calabria
Alcohol (ABV): 15%