2019 Castello D'Alba
40% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca
"This vineyard in Douro Superior has produced fruit for a fine, full-bodied and structured wine. With its black fruits, firm tannins and concentration, the wine will age. Drink from 2024." 93 Points Wine Enthusiast
Rui Roberto Madeira grew up in the Douro Valley, surrounded by vineyards. In 1987 Roberto worked his first harvest in the village of Vermiosa, Portugal and fell in love with wine. In 2011 he returned to the Douro Valley where he rehabilitated an old vineyard and released his first vintage of Castell d'Alba. He specializes in old-vines, indigenous grape varieties grown at high altitudes in schist and granite soils of the Douro region.
Castello d'Alba is wine of power and intensity, full on the palate, with very soft, polished tannins and a long, warm finish. All grapes are hand-harvested, fully destemmed, and fermented and aged in stainless steel to retain the purity and freshness of the grapes.
Very complex, intense aromas with the Touriga Franca conveying wild berries and rock rose. Spices and red fruit from the Tinta Roriz and very fresh and elegant floral notes of violet from the Touriga Nacional. 12 months aging in American and French barrels give the wine the mature touches of a great Douro wine with a modern and international profile. Lush and full on the palate, with very soft, polished tannins and a long, warm finish. Enjoy with braised meat dishes, Mediterranean cuisine, and firm cheeses.
2020 Benuara
70% Nero d’Avola, 30% Syrah.
"The nose of this Sicilian red blend is loaded with cherries, wild strawberries and blueberries and backed up by cocoa, cedar, and wood smoke—all emphasized by the immediately apparent substantial heat. The palate progresses to blueberries, with a hint of wild mint and more cocoa, highlighting gritty, angular tannins." 90 Points Wine Enthusiast
With the help of an expert of Sicilian terrain and consultanting winemaker Mario Ronco, the Cusumano wines are made with 100% estate grown fruit from 5 different territories throughout Sicily. The wines are 100% estate produced and bottled. With synergy between wine and the territory of origin, Cusumano celebrates the diversity of the land which produces wines of exceptional quality.
All Cusumano wines are certified by SOStain as the family’s commitment to sustainability. SOStain is the sustainability program for Sicilian viticulture, developed as a path aimed at enriching and enhancing everything that lives around the production system, such as the land, landscape, flora, and fauna, those who work and finally those who consume wine, with the aim of pursuing environmentally friendly, socially fair, and economically effective development.
Pairs well with rich, grilled meats, firm cheese, and good friends.
Fun Fact-Benuara is named after the small red flowers that blossom near the vineyard.