# Barone Montalto Passivento Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT (2023)

- **Producer:** Barone Montalto
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nero d'Avola
- **Region:** Sicilia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €11
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, ripe fruit, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, chocolate, earth, dried fruit, leather

## About this wine

Barone Montalto Passivento Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT is a red wine from Sicily, Italy, produced by Barone Montalto. The wine utilizes the 'Passivento' method, a technique involving the partial drying of Nero d'Avola grapes to enhance concentration. Barone Montalto, established in 2000, is a Sicilian winery that manages approximately 400 hectares of vineyards, aiming to combine tradition with innovation. The Terre Siciliane IGT appellation signifies its geographical origin within the island of Sicily, a region known for its favorable climate and winemaking heritage.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Passivento' method concentrates grapes, similar to Amarone.
- Barone Montalto manages around 400 hectares of vineyards.
- The wine is named after its unique grape drying process.
- Nero d'Avola is Sicily's most planted red grape.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and velvety tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. The concentrated fruit notes can stand up to robust flavors, while the wine's structure helps to cut through fattiness in dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Barone Montalto Passivento begins with the 'Passivento' technique, where Nero d'Avola grapes are partially dried after harvest to concentrate their sugars and aromas. Fermentation takes place on the skins for about 15 days, facilitating the extraction of color and tannins. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately four months in second and third-year French oak barrique barrels. This aging process helps to integrate the wine's components and develop its texture.