Cantine Mothia "Mosaikon" Nero d'Avola 2021
Cantine Mothia "Mosaikon" Nero d'Avola 2021
Sicily DOP, Italy
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Tasting Notes
Cantine Mothia "Mosaikon" Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with a deep ruby red hue that immediately draws you in. On the nose, you'll encounter an inviting mix of fresh herbs like basil and oregano, intertwined with notes of plum, black cherry, and a subtle hint of tomato leaf. As you take a sip, the wine reveals a delightful balance of sweet oak and vibrant red fruits, including cherry, red plum, and pomegranate, which transition into richer dark fruit flavors like blackberry and black cherry on the palate. Despite its intensity, "Mosaikon" is soft on the palate, with a smooth texture and just a touch of spice on the finish, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable sip.
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Story
Cantine Mothia is a testament to the rich heritage of the Phoenicians, who were among the first to explore and trade across the Mediterranean. Inspired by their adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial acumen, Cantine Mothia was founded in 1997 by the Bonomo family, who revitalized an ancient Baglio along the historic salt road of Marsala, Sicily. The winery's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous selection of grapes, all cultivated from the Bonomo family's 20 hectares of vineyards. These vineyards, spread across the diverse terroirs of Marsala, are home to Nero D’Avola, Grillo, Frappato, and Zibibbo, producing wines that are consistently balanced and full-bodied.
The Bonomo family’s dedication to quality is further reflected in their innovative agronomic practices and state-of-the-art production facilities. The east-facing cooperage, filled with fine oak barrels, holds wines aged for over 30 years, preserving an invaluable reserve of yeast. The south-facing barrique cellar, maintained at a controlled temperature, allows for further aging, ensuring each bottle of Cantine Mothia wine meets the highest standards. With a deep respect for tradition and a forward-thinking approach, Cantine Mothia crafts wines that honor their Phoenician roots while embracing modern winemaking techniques, offering a truly exceptional experience with every sip.
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Somm Notes
Nero d'Avola, a grape variety that thrives in arid climates, is a true testament to Sicily’s rich viticultural history. Known for its adaptability to dry farming and its love of heat, Nero d'Avola flourishes in Sicily’s warm and sunny conditions. The oldest vineyards of this variety are often Alberello pruned, or "head-trained," which helps the vines withstand the region's strong winds. Nearly all Nero d'Avola is grown in Sicily, where wine grapes have been cultivated for nearly 3,000 years. Historically, Sicilian wines, including those made from Nero d'Avola, were enjoyed by figures like Julius Caesar. Today, Sicily boasts 23 DOCs and 1 DOCG, reflecting its high-quality wine production. With over 30% of its vineyards certified organic, and 24% of the island being mountainous with the towering Mount Etna, Sicily offers a unique terroir for its diverse grape varieties. White wines dominate with 64% of vineyard plantings, yet Nero d'Avola remains a standout, embodying the island’s enduring winemaking legacy.
Nero d'Avola, with its robust tannins and ripe fruit notes, offers versatile pairing options that enhance a variety of dishes. Its structured profile makes it a perfect match for rich, fatty meats such as a well-marbled steak, whether seared on a cast iron skillet or grilled. The wine’s bold flavors also complement game meats when served with fruit-based sauces, providing a balanced contrast. For a unique twist, Nero d'Avola can be enjoyed with less conventional pairings like chocolate chip-studded ricotta cannoli or BBQ burgers with bacon. Classic dishes such as oxtail soup and beef stew are timeless companions, while spices like anise, orange rind, bay leaf, sage, cocoa powder, Asian plum sauce, and coffee can elevate the wine’s depth and complexity.
90 points Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of bing cherry, raspberry, damp earth, licorice, salt and pepper create a nose that's fresh, yet has depth. The fruit is sweet on the palate, but there's plenty more salt and pepper for contrast, and an invigorating tension between fierce tannins and fiery acid. -
Region
Sicily, the largest wine region in Italy, boasts an impressive 112,700 hectares of vineyards, including the volcanic island of Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands. Renowned for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, Sicily has been a leader in organic wine production for over two decades, with 83% of the vineyards processed by Assovini producers now certified organic. The island’s diverse terroir, influenced by its volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate, creates a unique environment for growing a wide variety of grape varieties, including the robust Nero d'Avola. This grape, which thrives particularly well in the eastern part of Sicily, produces wines with high tannins, medium acidity, and a strong body, although higher elevations can yield smoother expressions with restrained alcohol levels.
In the Marsala region of Sicily, the growing conditions are particularly favorable for producing high-quality wines. The region benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine and minimal rainfall, which allows grapes to ripen fully while maintaining a balance of acidity and sugar. The soils in Marsala, rich in minerals due to their proximity to the sea, provide the perfect foundation for growing indigenous grape varieties such as Grillo, Frappato, and Zibibbo. The combination of these factors, along with the region's centuries-old winemaking traditions and modern technological advancements, results in wines that are both complex and well-structured, reflecting the unique character of the Marsala terroir.