Cavallo delle Fate
A cross between Catarratto and Zibibbo this ancient variety produces a complex and flavorful wine with concentrated aromas. In Tenuta Regaleali, the Grillo grape is grown on the hillside alongside of Case Vecchie. We try to play on the different harvest times: one part is harvested in advance to keep high acidity and minerality, while the later harvest gives structure and body. The name derives from the Italian translation of Grillo, or “cricket” which is known in fairytales as the Cavallo delle Fate (horse of fairies) since he is always carrying them on his back.
Vineyard
Sant’Anna (5 ha) and Piana Case Vecchie (3 ha)
Year Planted: 2007
Training system: espalier
Elevation: 480 m.a.s.l.
Exposure: southeast
Pruning system: long guyot
Vines per ha: 4,600
Soil
Deep, fine clay, slightly chalky
Characteristics
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1. Flavor intensity
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2. Body
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3. Acidity
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4. Alcohol
Details
Grapes: Grillo
Appellation: White – Sicilian DOC
Production area: Tenuta Regaleali – Palermo – Sicily
Vineyards: Sant’Anna (5 ha) and Piana Case Vecchie (3 ha)
Year Planted: 2007
Training system: espalier
Pruning system: long guyot
Vines per ha: 4,600
Yield per ha: 61 ql
Harvest: August 07th, 2023
Climate trends: Cool winter with good rainfall, hot and dry spring, very hot and dry summer.
Fermentation: in stainless steel tanks
Fermentation Temperature: 16/18°C
Maceration: 15 days
Malolactic Fermentation: not carried out
Aging: in stainless steel tanks on the lees for 4 months
Alcohol Content: 13% Vol.
Wine Analytical Data: pH 3.20 – TA 5.13 g/l – RS 1 g/l – TE 20.3 g/l
Contains sulphites
Awards
- Vintage 2023Guide James SucklingAward 92/100
- Vintage 2022Guide James SucklingAward 91/100
- Vintage 2022Guide VinousAward 90/100
- Vintage 2020Guide Wine EnthusiastAward 91/100
- Vintage 2021Guide Robert ParkerAward 90/100
- Vintage 2021Guide James SucklingAward 91/100
- Vintage 2021Guide Wine & SpiritsAward 90/100