Cerasuolo Di Vittoria 2024 Guglielmo Manenti

The Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2024 by Guglielmo Manenti is one of the most accomplished expressions of Sicily's sole DOCG appellation — a rare wine, from an artisan estate of just 5 hectares producing only 13,000 bottles per year, embodying with absolute fidelity the tradition and terroir of Contrada Bastonaca, north of Vittoria. A member of the I Vigneri consortium founded by legendary oenologist Salvo Foti — guardian of traditional Sicilian viticulture — Guglielmo Manenti produces a Cerasuolo of such purity, freshness and authenticity that it stands immediately apart from the island's industrial production.

The terroir and the vines

Guglielmo Manenti's vineyard is planted in Contrada Bastonaca, at the boundary of the communes of Vittoria, Acate and Comiso, in south-eastern Sicily. The Hyblean terroir — named after the Hyblaean Mountains that dominate this territory — is characterised by sandy-limestone soils rich in iron and clay, resting on a deep limestone layer that plays a crucial role: it retains natural moisture and allows the vines to access water without any irrigation, even during the driest and hottest summers. This arid Mediterranean microclimate, free of fog and with significant day-to-night temperature swings, is precisely what gives the grapes of Bastonaca their incomparable aromatic quality — concentrated, healthy fruit of irreplaceable expression. The vines are cultivated according to the ancestral tradition of alberello — bush-trained vines, densely planted and pruned low, which protect the grapes from heat and wind while demanding exclusively manual work from pruning through to harvest. Each plant is tended individually, vine by vine, with non-invasive tools and methods that respect the natural cycles of the plant. Viticulture is certified organic. The blend is composed in equal parts of 50% Nero d'Avola and 50% Frappato — two indigenous Sicilian grape varieties with complementary personalities. Nero d'Avola provides structure, depth of colour, concentration of dark fruit and tannic richness. Frappato, a more delicate and perfumed variety, contributes freshness, fine floral and fruity aromatics, lightness of texture and that crunchy, mouthwatering signature that is the hallmark of Cerasuolo. Temperature-controlled vinification respects the purity of both varieties: skin maceration of 8 to 10 days to extract colour and aromas without harshness, fermentation with indigenous yeasts and restrained ageing that preserves the vivacity and frankness of the wine.

Tasting profile

The colour is a ruby red with cherry reflections — that characteristic buccia di ciliegia hue that gave the appellation its name, cerasuolo meaning "cherry-coloured" in Sicilian. The nose is immediately fine and elegant: aromas of ripe raspberry and amarena — the sweet-and-sour black cherry so typical of Sicily — intertwine with notes of red flowers, pomegranate and gentle spice, with delicate mineral touches drawn from the iron-rich soils of Bastonaca. On the palate, the wine is clean, intense and remarkably drinkable: the tannins are soft, never aggressive, with a velvety texture that coats the palate with natural generosity. The sapidity and bright natural acidity of the Frappato bring a freshness and lightness that make this wine instantly thirst-quenching without ever sacrificing aromatic depth. The finish is long, mineral and fruity, with a persistence and clarity that confirm the quality of the terroir. Guglielmo Manenti himself recommends drinking it within three years of harvest to enjoy the full freshness and brilliance of its aromas.

The estate

Guglielmo Manenti founded his estate in 2006 — the very year the DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria was officially created, of which he was one of the artisan pioneers. Across 5 hectares entirely cultivated organically, he produces Frappato, Nero d'Avola and Carricante — a white grape variety from Etna — in a spirit of absolute respect for the territory and its indigenous varieties. His membership of the I Vigneri consortium of Salvo Foti — which unites the Sicilian winemakers most committed to preserving the island's viticultural traditions — speaks volumes about the vision of this discreet and demanding artisan, whose wines are universally recognised by international wine lovers for their authenticity, purity and faithfulness to the terroir of Vittoria.

Food pairings

This Cerasuolo di Vittoria will pair beautifully with pasta alla Norma with aubergine and salted ricotta, arancini al ragù, lamb skewers with Sicilian herbs, a white pizza with anchovies and capers, flavourful Italian charcuterie or a board of aged cheeses such as Pecorino Siciliano or Parmigiano Reggiano. Its natural freshness and lightness also make it an ideal companion for summer grills and outdoor meals. Served between 14 and 16°C, slightly cool, it will reveal all the fruity generosity and mineral freshness of Sicily's sole DOCG.