The Casa Mia wines are produced for Liberty Wines at Cantine Settesoli, the same winery where the excellent Mandrarossa wines are made. Situated in southwestern Sicily, near the town of Menfi, Cantine Settesoli is a cooperative winery with 2,000 members who, between them, farm over 5,000 hectares of vineyard. These members are mixed farmers, with many also raising livestock or growing other crops, such as the famous carciofo spinoso di menfi (a native artichoke), which is protected by the Slow Food organisation. The work Cantine Settesoli has done to improve the quality of viticulture in Sicily has ensured a better income for the cooperative members, which, in turn, permits greater investment into the quality of their fruit.
This investment pays dividends not only in the Mandrarossa label but also in the Casa Mia wines. The white is made from Catarratto, a variety that performs well in this area, where the proximity to the sea ensures a longer growing season. It is full yet fresh, with a zesty acidity on the palate. The red, a blend of equal parts of Alicante and Syrah, has good colour, fresh and spicy aromas on the nose and ripe, robust fruit on the palate. Both offer excellent value for money.
The vineyards are located near Menfi in Sicily at altitudes around 280 metres above sea level. The 95 hectares of vineyard have a north-western exposure and the soil consists of clay, sand and limestone.
The 2024 vintage produced excellent quality grapes, despite extreme weather challenges. Advanced irrigation technologies and refined agricultural practices enabled producers to harvest healthy, complex grapes fifteen days early, from mid-July through late September. While production dropped 25-30%, the early harvest preserved essential aromatics and freshness.
The grapes were destemmed and crushed upon arrival at the winery and were then transferred to temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took place at around 18-22°C with yeasts selected by the winemakers for varietal and regional expression. A system of rack and return and traditional pumping over provided gentle extraction of deep colour and fine tannins, whilst retaining fruit characteristics. Post-fermentation maceration was determined by the winemakers depending on the particular vineyard characteristics.
Deep ruby red in colour with purple hues. On the nose, this wine has aromas of dark fruit and spice that give way to a soft and rounded palate with typical Sicilian generosity of flavour. The finish is long lasting with fine tannins.
