Cantina Marilina Ruversa 2015
  • Nero d'Avola
  • Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • 750ml

Cantina Marilina Ruversa 2015

Sicily, Italy
$24.95per bottle ($299.40per case)
12 bottles per case
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Peppery & Bold

Cantina Marilina's estate was founded in 2001 on a hill formerly known as Poggio dei Fossi in the southeastern Sicilian province of Siracusa. Today the Paternò sisters, Marilina and Federica, are at the helm. Their philosophy reflects a deep respect for the land, with organic farming and natural winemaking. They have been influenced by Frank Cornelissen, the guru of natural winemaking on Mount Etna.

In Italian, Ruversa means to reverse, and this wine takes a backwards approach when it comes to winemaking: ageing in concrete tanks with no temperature control. Made from Nero d'Avola grapes, the nose is all about marasca cherries, crushed black pepper and tobacco leaves. On the palate, it has a nicely balanced tannic structure, with a hint of spices and a long finish.

Pair it with Italian pasta dishes, such as ricotta ravioli with pork in tomato sauce, or lamb ragú.

About the Winery

Cantina Marilina

Angelo Paternò, patriarch of Cantina Marilina, worked for decades at large commercial wineries on Italy’s southern island, Sicily. He eventually saved up enough to purchase a 60-hectare organic farm in the province of Siracusa. The shining white calcareous soils and gentle slope told him this was amongst the best sites he’d ever seen; the ideal location to build a life with his family.

Since the creation of the estate he has handed control over to his two ambitious daughters, Marilina and Federica. Together they have implemented aspects of permaculture to ensure the soils are healthy for generations. Just over half their land is planted with vines; the other half is left wild or used for mixed farming to increase both biodiversity and economic diversity.

They’ve decided to keep their practices as traditional as possible. 80% of their vineyards are planted to indigenous grape varieties, many of which have evolved over hundreds of years to withstand the relentless sunshine and drought conditions. Their wines almost exclusively ferment in large concrete tanks that help prevent temperature fluctuations and allow the gentle integration of oxygen. Their maceration times are quite long which helps extract dense flavours and ample structure.