# JAKI Valdibella (2015)

- **Producer:** Valdibella
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Sicily, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, red cherry

## About this wine

The JAKI Valdibella 2015 is a red wine from Sicily, Italy, produced by the Valdibella cooperative. This Terre Siciliane IGP wine is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated in the Camporeale area at altitudes between 250 and 350 meters on clay or calcareous soils. Valdibella is a cooperative of organic farmers established in 1981, emphasizing biodiversity and minimal intervention in their viticulture and winemaking. The wine's name, 'Jaki,' is a tribute to one of the cooperative's founders.

## Interesting facts

- Valdibella has been practicing organic farming since 1981.
- The name 'Jaki' is a Sicilian dialect diminutive for Gioacchino.
- The cooperative actively supports social initiatives.
- The wine is vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

The medium-plus body and ripe fruit notes of this Sicilian red wine make it a versatile companion for richer dishes. Its structure can stand up to the protein in red meats, while its fruitiness can complement savory sauces. The tannins in the wine will help to cut through the richness of fattier cuts.

## Wine making process

The JAKI Valdibella is produced from hand-harvested grapes that are de-stemmed before undergoing natural fermentation for 9-10 days at approximately 28°C, with the addition of prepared must. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation follows. The wine then ages for 8 months in stainless steel vessels before bottling. Valdibella employs organic farming methods, including zero tillage, green pruning, and dry-farming, with a focus on biodiversity.