Catarratto
Altogrado 2015
Nino Barraco

Grape Variety: Catarratto

Producer: Nino Barraco

Region: Marsala, Sicily, Italy

Wild Scale: 4/5

Vegan friendly wine

Winemaking: Organic Catarratto grapes from a single vineyard of 40 year old vines on volcanic soil were hand harvested late in the season and crushed before spending 2 days on the skins. Fermented to dry with indigenous yeast in a single chestnut barrel that was not topped up. Aged here for 7 years. No filtration, fining or added sulphur.  

This Wine: A very special expression of Catarratto from one of Nino's warmest vineyards near his home in Marsala, 5km from the sea. This is a powerful wine that clocks in at 15% alcohol but it is unfortified. A true expression of the original idea of Marsala wine before the British became infatuated with the style. The overripe grapes bring intense dried stone fruit notes supported by a nutty, oxidative element that comes from the fact that the barrel wasn't topped up. A unique and special wine that was made in very small quantity. 

Notes on the Winemaker: Nino Barraco is a natural winemaker in Sicily who has is dedicated to showing that his home region of Marsala is not all about sweet and fortified wine. He showcases the strengths of local grape varieites sich as Grillo and Catarratto by producing intense, dry wines that instantly evoke a sun-baked, Mediterranean vibe.