In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninMedium acidityDryHerbal, Medium Length finish

Aroma: dark cherry, Mediterranean herbs, dried fig, light mineral

Palate: dark cherry, plum, herbal bitterness, medium tannin

One of the few expressions of the rare Mamertino DOC: a Nero d'Avola and Nocera blend from the Milazzo hills near the Tyrrhenian, with the dense dark-fruit character of Nero d'Avola lifted by Nocera's bitter herb notes.

What it pairs with

  • Pasta alla norma (aubergine, tomato, salted ricotta)
    Dark fruit and herbal bitterness pair well with this Sicilian pasta classic.
  • Grilled Sicilian sausage with roasted peppers
    The wine's dense fruit and medium body complement grilled pork and sweet peppers.
  • Arancini al ragu
    Dark cherry density and herb notes bridge the fried rice ball's pork-ragu filling.

How to serve Cantine Milazzo Mamertino Rosso

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Pasta alla norma (aubergine, tomato, salted ricotta), Grilled Sicilian sausage with roasted peppers, Arancini al ragu. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Mamertino DOC, near Milazzo in the Messina province, is one of Sicily's most ancient wine appellations - Roman sources including Pliny the Elder recorded wines from this area. Cantine Milazzo is one of the few modern producers reviving this near-forgotten DOC, blending native Nero d'Avola and the even rarer Nocera grape.

  1. 2004 — Mamertino DOC officially recognised, reviving the ancient appellation name
  2. 2010 — First Cantine Milazzo Mamertino DOC bottling

Facts

Producer
Cantine Milazzo
Grapes
Nero d'Avola (60%), Nocera (40%)
Classification
Mamertino DOC
Oak
12 months in large oak botti
ABV
13.0%
Price
€18-28 at retail
Drinking window
3-10 from vintage
First vintage
2010

Frequently asked about Cantine Milazzo Mamertino Rosso

What does Cantine Milazzo Mamertino Rosso taste like?

On the nose, dark cherry, Mediterranean herbs, dried fig, light mineral. On the palate, dark cherry, plum, herbal bitterness, medium tannin. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a herbal, medium length finish. One of the few expressions of the rare Mamertino DOC: a Nero d'Avola and Nocera blend from the Milazzo hills near the Tyrrhenian, with the dense dark-fruit character of Nero d'Avola lifted by Nocera's bitter herb notes.

When should I drink Cantine Milazzo Mamertino Rosso?

Drink 3-10 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Cantine Milazzo Mamertino Rosso?

Pasta alla norma (aubergine, tomato, salted ricotta) is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled Sicilian sausage with roasted peppers and Arancini al ragu. Dark fruit and herbal bitterness pair well with this Sicilian pasta classic.

What grapes are in Cantine Milazzo Mamertino Rosso?

The blend is Nero d'Avola (60%), Nocera (40%). The wine is classified as Mamertino DOC.

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