Valle Dell'acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria

The Crown Jewel of Southeast Sicilian Authenticity

Journey to the sun-drenched, windswept hills of Ragusa with Valle dell’Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a brilliant and aromatic red wine that carries the ultimate vinous distinction of the island. While Sicily is famous for its heavily extracted, warm-climate reds, the historic Valle dell'Acate estate prides itself on unparalleled elegance. Founded by the Jacono family and operating under the modern guidance of Gaetana Jacono, this benchmark bottling hails from Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG—the one and only appellation in all of Sicily granted the country’s highest, most rigorous classification for wine quality.

The extraordinary harmony of this Sicilian red lies in its traditional, certified-organic field architecture. Cerasuolo di Vittoria relies on a precise dual-varietal marriage. It brings together Nero d’Avola (~60% to 70%), which gives the wine its deep color, structural backbone, and dark fruit density, alongside Frappato (~30% to 40%), an highly aromatic grape that injects vibrant acidity, fresh floral perfumes, and a buoyant, dancing energy. The vines thrive in medium-textured soils interspersed with limestone tufa, which naturally imparts a distinct mineral tension. Vinified with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks and aged gracefully in steel and large 500-liter French oak tonneaux, it beautifully tames Nero d'Avola's natural muscle into a fluid, silk-textured masterpiece.

Taste Profile & Pairings

• The Profile: Intense cherry-red in the glass with bright violet rim variations. It features a beautifully balanced medium body, a supple, velvety mid-palate, and ultra-fine, polished tannins driven by a refreshing spine of Mediterranean acidity.

• Flavor Highlights: A remarkably complex, evocative nose bursts open with wild strawberries, sour Marasca cherries, and fresh raspberries, beautifully accented by layers of eucalyptus, tobacco leaf, and crushed blue flowers. The palate follows seamlessly, revealing savory star anise, dark loam, and a light touch of cocoa bean.

• The Finish: Elegant, long, and silky, leaving a satisfyingly dry close accented by a lingering crackle of black pepper and smoky flint.

• Perfect Food Pairings: Thanks to its refreshing acidity and soft tannins, this wine is a brilliant gastronomic partner. Pair it alongside traditional Sicilian dishes like Pasta alla Norma, roasted lamb chops, pan-fried rabbit, or rich chicken curries. It is also an absolute home run with aged cheeses, particularly Sicily's native DOP Ragusano.

• Serving Suggestion: To capture the energetic, high-toned floral aromatics of the Frappato grape at peak vibrancy, serve this elegant red with a very slight cellar chill (around 60°F).

Product Specifications

• Size: 750ml Bottle

• Region: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy

• Wine Type: Dry Red Wine

• Grape Varieties: ~60% Nero d’Avola, ~40% Frappato

• Farming Status: 100% Certified Organic (USDA/NOP)

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 13.5%

Standing as a magnificent monument to southern Italy's indigenous grapes, Valle dell'Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria delivers an uncompromised standard of fresh berry focus and savory complexity, making it an essential centerpiece for Mediterranean-themed dinner parties or any serious old-world wine collection.