Sipping Sicily: The Heavenly Wines of Tenuta Rapitalà

When a winery's name translates to "Beautiful Garden of God", you expect wines that are ethereal, powerful, and simply divine. Well, I am happy to say that Sicilian winemaker Tenuta Rapitalà produces wines that elegantly meet these celestial expectations.

The first Sicilian winery to plant French varietals, Rapitalà is truly a marriage of cultures - in 1968 French-born Count Hugues Bernard de la Gatinais married Gigi Guarrasi from Palermo and inherited the Guarrasi family estate that had been destroyed by an earthquake. Working together, they rebuilt the winery and replanted the vineyards and in 1976 the first harvest destined for bottling was made. Today, the Rapitalà legacy is carried on by their son Laurent. I recently had the opportunity to meet Laurent and sample the Rapitalà wines - passion and artistry is evident in every sip.


 Laurent Bernard de la Gatinais is joyfully carrying on the legacy of excellent winemaking started by his parents. 
One of my Rapitalà favorites is their Tenuta Rapitalà Alto Nero d'Avola Sicilia D.O.C. 2012 ($23). Nero d'Avola is the quintessential Sicilian grape and Rapitalà captures its complexity and lushness perfectly. Deep ruby red and silky, this single vineyard sip is full bodied with beautiful red-fruit and subtle spice flavors. 

Chardonnay may not the be the first varietal the comes to mind when you think of Sicilian wine but Tenuta Rapitalà Grand Cru Chardonnay Sicilia I.G.T 2013 ($37) is a refreshing expression of this ubiquitous grape. Fermentation begins in stainless steel and is completed in French oak -  this technique creates a wine that is fruit forward but multifaceted. The floral softness of Chardonnay is anchored by the subtle wood notes and there's a definite Mediterranean feeling and pleasant salinity to this Chardonnay.

Pinot Noir and Nero d'Avola mesh together brilliantly in Tenuta Rapitalà Nuhar d'Avola/Pinot Nero Sicilia D.O.C. 2012 ($18). Soft and silky Pinot Noir is emboldened by this merger with the dramatic Nero d'Avola. Beautifully balanced with soft tannins and a long finish, I would be happy to make this wine my house red!

To learn more about Tenuta Rapitalà wines, visit their website.

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