Valle Dell'acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Valle Dell'Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a 750ml Sicilian DOCG red wine blending Nero d'Avola and Frappato at 13.5% ABV. Rated 92 points by Antonio Galloni and recognized by Jancis Robinson with 16.5 out of 20 points, this bottling stands as one of the benchmark expressions from Sicily's only DOCG appellation — Cerasuolo di Vittoria.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Sicily, Italy  |  Blend: 70% Nero d'Avola, 30% Frappato  |  Winery: Valle dell'Acate

Production & Heritage

Valle dell'Acate is a family-owned estate located in the Ragusa province of southeastern Sicily, with vineyards spread across seven distinct soil types that lend individual character to each wine zone. The winery's entire production has been certified organic since 2018. For this Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the Nero d'Avola component spends time in predominantly used barrique before being blended with Frappato, and the finished wine is aged no less than 18 months before release — a requirement of the DOCG regulations that ensures structural integration and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with graphite and Mediterranean scrub before revealing layers of eucalyptus, freshly cut grass, and tobacco leaf. Underlying floral tones and a faint menthol quality add lift and complexity.

Taste: The entry is juicy with Marasca cherry and strawberry, quickly joined by star anise and a dark, earthy loam note at mid-palate. Fine-grained tannins provide a lithe framework, while a hint of coffee bean and black cherry fruit emerge as the wine opens in the glass. Eric Asimov of The New York Times described it as "substantial yet lively, with deep flavors of flowers, red fruits and licorice."

Finish: The finish is long and silky-textured, carrying forward the cherry and smoke character. Savory tones and a whisper of licorice linger well after each sip.

How to Drink Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Serve at 60–64°F (16–18°C) to preserve the wine's aromatic freshness while allowing the Nero d'Avola's structure to fully express itself. A brief 20–30 minute decant helps integrate the tannins and opens the more complex secondary aromas. This wine pairs naturally with Sicilian cuisine: grilled swordfish with caponata benefits from the wine's cherry-driven fruit and earthy undertone; eggplant parmigiana mirrors its savory depth; and slow-braised lamb shoulder with rosemary complements the tannic structure and spice notes.

Best For

• Introducing Italian wine enthusiasts to Sicily's only DOCG appellation
• Pairing with a rustic Mediterranean dinner of grilled meats and roasted vegetables
• Gifting to a sommelier or wine collector seeking distinctive Southern Italian reds
• Exploring organic Sicilian viticulture from a benchmark estate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cerasuolo di Vittoria taste like? Valle dell'Acate's Cerasuolo di Vittoria delivers juicy Marasca cherry, black cherry, and strawberry fruit layered with star anise, smoke, and earthy loam. The texture is silky with fine-grained tannins and a long, savory finish.

How does Valle dell'Acate compare to COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria? Both are leading producers within the same DOCG, but Valle dell'Acate uses predominantly used barrique for the Nero d'Avola portion, while COS is known for fermenting and aging in buried terracotta amphorae. The result is that Valle dell'Acate tends toward a more polished, fruit-forward style, whereas COS leans into a more oxidative, textural profile.

Is Cerasuolo di Vittoria good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the balance between Nero d'Avola's structure and Frappato's bright aromatics makes this an engaging wine to drink neat, especially after a short decant at cellar temperature.

Where is Valle dell'Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria made? It is produced by the Valle dell'Acate estate in the Ragusa province of southeastern Sicily, within the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG — the only DOCG-designated appellation on the island of Sicily.

What foods pair well with Cerasuolo di Vittoria? Grilled lamb chops work beautifully with the wine's tannic grip and smoke. Pasta alla Norma echoes its earthy Sicilian character. Aged pecorino cheese complements the savory finish. Tuna tartare with capers highlights the wine's bright cherry fruit. Roasted red pepper and olive tapenade mirrors its Mediterranean aromatics.

What sizes does Cerasuolo di Vittoria come in? Valle dell'Acate's Cerasuolo di Vittoria is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Valle dell'Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria worth the price? This wine positions as a mid-premium Sicilian red, and given its DOCG status, certified organic production, 18-month minimum aging, and consistent critical recognition — including 92 points from Antonio Galloni — it represents strong value within the appellation.

Why Cerasuolo di Vittoria?

Valle dell'Acate's Cerasuolo di Vittoria is one of the most reliable and expressive wines from Sicily's sole DOCG. The estate's seven distinct soil types and certified organic farming contribute a sense of place that generic Nero d'Avola blends rarely achieve. With consistent critical praise — 92 points from Antonio Galloni, 16.5/20 from Jancis Robinson, and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast — this wine has earned its reputation among serious Italian wine circles. For anyone seeking a Sicilian red that balances depth with drinkability, this is a definitive starting point.