Naturally Sicily
Caeles
D.O.C. Sicilia
Nero d'Avola
Caeles Nero d’Avola is the product of more than thirty years of work towards the concepts of sustainability and environmental protection which form the basis of Firriato’s production philosophy. It is an outright symbol of this iconic Sicilian vine and its link to organic viticulture. The regulations that set out oenological practices that conform with organic classification involve numerous restrictions and limitations. As such the substances used in the vineyard and the winery must come from raw materials of an agricultural origin. This is a sign of the great regard Firriato has for the environment. Caeles Nero d’Avola offers the exquisiteness of a truly Sicilian red that highlights its genuine and healthy nature in every sip. It is a reflection of an unspoilt land that is tended to with careful, loving care. Ageing in French oak barriques, during the 2nd and 3rd transfer confers an incomparably sophisticated spicy vein to the wine.
Caeles Nero d’Avola is the product of more than thirty years of work towards the concepts of sustainability and environmental protection which form the basis of Firriato’s production philosophy. It is an outright symbol of this iconic Sicilian vine and its link to organic viticulture. The regulations that set out oenological practices that conform with organic classification involve numerous restrictions and limitations.
- Appellation: D.O.C. Sicilia
- Vine: Nero d’Avola
- Terroir: hilly
- Soil: mid-mixture, mostly clayey
- Exposure: south (310 mt. a.s.l)
Production Area
Dàgala Borromeo
The native Caeles Nero d’Avola grapes are cultivated organically, in loamy clay soil with a rich soil skeleton, on the Dàgala Borromeo Estate in the Trapani agricultural area. Here, Firriato has adopted the technique of wild ground cover; or rather they limit themselves to regularly cutting the wild grasses that grow in the vineyard. This way they obtain better quality grapes and combat the erosive effects on the land.
Caeles
A culture of love and respect for nature
Grapes produced in the Firriato Estates are cultivated according to the strict guidelines for organic farming. Since its foundation, Firriato has focussed on respecting nature, the local area and the environment—one of the fundamental objectives in the production of quality local wines. In place of the herbicides generally used in non-organic vineyards, only natural agents and microorganisms are employed. The wild grasses play a particular protective role as they represent an important resource for the grapes’ survival. They enrich the soil with nutrients necessary for the maturation of the fruit as well as hosting insects useful in the attack of eventual parasites. Firriato uses this measure in its land dedicated to organic farming to protect the vines, ensuring a healthy and mature harvest, and above all to remain faithful to its organic farming project and the qualitative care of its new labels.
CAELES NERO D'AVOLA
Organic: Wisdom and Sensitivity
The deep knowledge of biological life cycle of animals and plants and their interaction with the vine is the main milestone of Firriato’s production philosophy, which has been working according to organic certified standards from the foundation of the winery in 1978, in all its 470 ha covering 3 different Terroir.
An organic viticulture that has been officially certified in 2007, when the EU regulation of organic agriculture came into force, rewarding Firriato for its great remarkable commitment.
the 30-year-old commitment carried out by Firriato always respects strict certified organic standards which rules not only include the obligation to comply with specific technical requirements but also a deep knowledge of the agricultural ecosystem and all management aspects able to trigger positive synergies about vines biodiversity safeguard
CAELES NERO D'AVOLA
The characteristics of vintages
2020
The 2020 harvest was influenced by a changeable climate compared to 2019, with higher than normal temperatures in the months of January and February and a certain lack of rain from May to September. These conditions slightly accelerated the budding phase, reducing the development and growth of the leaves until flowering and leading to a lower yield (around 30%) for the white grape varieties in particular.
2016
The summer season 2016 has been characterised by mild cimate, few rainfalls without excessive heat. After a winter characterised by few rainfalls, spring season began with cool temperatures lasted over flowering until the months of May and June when spring concluded with some rainfalls. These climatic conditions fostered a great vine life-cycle in the vineyard.
Compared to grape harvest 2015,estimates suggested a reduction by 40% in rainfalls over the winter period, although around 80-90 ml of water have been recorded over the rainfalls in May. Grape harvest 2016 is characterised by significant promising wines and a reduction of the production of about 10% compared to grape harvest 2015. Broadly speaking, vintage 2016 enabled us to produce elegant Nero d’Avola wine thanks to a correct maturation of grapes ensuring balanced production without thermal stress.
2015
An average higher quality yield compared to 2014 makes the island of Favignana rejoice, which after some worries at the beginning of the winter, was able to enjoy a particularly favorable climatic trend in spring and summer. vitivini-cola vintage was characterized by a rainy winter and a dry and moderately windy spring. The vegetative cycle of the island’s Perricone and Nero d’Avola took place in an optimal manner, with different ripening times compared to the same varieties of the Trapani hinterland.
It promises a not excessively alcoholic red, with good structure and elegant tannins.
2013
The vintage looks fruitful, both in quantity and especially in quality were obtained “wines of interesting profile”. Because of the climate the gathering lasted until the last week of September. The year 2013 has enabled a slower collection and then a gradual maturity: the harvest was delayed by two weeks.
CAELES NERO D'AVOLA
Awards
2014
International awards for organic wine: 87 pts.
Gambero Rosso: 2 black glasses
2013
Gambero Rosso: 2 black glasses
Luigi Veronelli: 1 flower
2012
Gambero Rosso: 2 black glasses
Luigi Veronelli: 1 flower
International award for organic wine: 88 pts.
Paired with
Veggy Burger
Pour the chickpea flour into a saucepan, add the salt, mix and finally add the water little by little and mix it with a hand whisk until the mixture is free of lumps. Then thicken over moderate heat, stirring constantly with the hand whisk for a few minutes, the time necessary for a sort of polenta to form that comes off the sides of the pot. Finally add the finely chopped parsley.