Stemmari is the largest exporter of Sicilian wines to the U.S. and is part of Gruppo Mezzacorona, one of the Italian wine giants for more than a century. Lucio Matricardi is the winemaker. He was born in Abruzzo and trained in winemaking and viticulture at the University of Bologna. He earned his PhD in viticulture and ecology at the University of California at Davis. He is the head winemaker for Rotari Trentodoc and Mezzacorona, in addition to Stemmari. All are part of Mezzacorona Group. Prior to this he held a position at Castello Banfi in Tuscany. Established in 2001, the winery is in an area where the land is generous and bathed in intense light with a climate of dry winds. This is ideal for the production of rich wines, intense and full bodied with unique fragrances and aromas.

The 2018 Stemmari Cantodoro is made with a blend of 80% Nero d’Avola and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that adds aromatics and structure to the wine. The Cantodoro is aged in oak adding to the complexity and layers to the wine. The color is a rich red with purple hues. There are aromas of ripe dark fruits; blackberry and plum with a hint of licorice, vanilla, and forest floor. On the palate the wine is medium bodied, refined and straightforward, with finely grained tannins, and a pleasant juicy finish. The 2018 Stemmari Cantodoro represents one of the more stunning values of Italian wines from Sicily.

By Perry Miroballi