BUTIRAH Syrah Sicilia DOC 2022

"Butirah" Syrah Sicilia DOC 2022 / Principi di Butera / Sicily

Red wine from Italy

In the remote southwest of Sicily, where the landscape is shaped by fragrant Mediterranean scrub and radiant citrus groves, lies the historic estate of the Principi di Butera. Nestled between the Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armerina, just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast, this winegrowing region unfolds in a setting of exceptional beauty and profound cultural resonance. Once the property of the Princes of Butera, the estate encircles an imposing baglio and is situated in one of the island’s most mineral-rich areas – a place where biodiversity and sustainable viticulture flourish in perfect harmony.

The Riesi region, with its chalky soils, rich biological diversity and the gentle influence of sea breezes, offers a unique microclimate. It is here that elegant wines of striking aromatic intensity and freshness are born. The Syrah grape – also known as Shiraz – was only introduced to Sicily in the late twentieth century yet has swiftly established itself thanks to the island’s favourable climate and varied terroirs. Thriving particularly well on mineral-laden soils, its compact clusters of dark-skinned berries yield concentrated aromas and finely balanced tannins.

The “Butirah” Syrah Sicilia DOC 2022 is a compelling expression of this origin. Its name evokes the region’s Arab heritage, forging a bridge between East and West – a cultural depth that resonates in the wine’s exotic soul. The grapes are harvested by hand at peak ripeness and handled with great care. Fermentation takes place over eight days at a controlled temperature of 28–30 °C, allowing for precise extraction of fruit aromas. The wine then matures for twelve months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by several months of bottle ageing to further refine its character.

In the glass, Butirah reveals a deep, lustrous ruby red. The nose is layered and expressive, with notes of ripe morello cherries, red berries and delicate spices such as vanilla and cinnamon. A subtle touch of exotic spice lends depth to the aromatic profile, elegantly hinting at the Levantine origins of the grape. On the palate, the wine is rich and enveloping, supported by a remarkable structure. Juicy fruit unfolds gently and evenly, while the long, supple finish continues the aromatic complexity with finesse.

Served at 16 to 18 °C, Butirah reaches its full potential. It pairs beautifully with slow-cooked meats such as beef ragout or lamb infused with Mediterranean herbs, as well as game dishes in fruit-accented sauces. Mature hard cheeses like Pecorino or aged Parmesan offer a delightful contrast, while hearty pasta dishes – think tagliatelle with truffle or Salsiccia ragù – bring out its depth of flavour. Even enjoyed on its own, this Syrah captivates with presence and character.

Thanks to its structure and aromatic depth, Butirah offers excellent ageing potential of five to seven years. As it matures, its complexity deepens, with spicy and fruity elements evolving in harmony, and the tannins gaining in elegance and suppleness – a rewarding companion for discerning wine lovers.

General properties

• Vintage: 2022
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Principi di Butera - Contrada Deliella - 93011 Butera (CL) - Italia - +39 0934 347726
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grape variety: 100% Syrah.
  
• Origin of the grapes: Sicilia DOC. From the Riesi region in the south-west of the island, where Principi di Butera cultivates its vineyards.
• Winemaking and maturation: Fermentation takes place at a temperature of 28–30°C and lasts about 8 days. The wine then ages for 12 months in 60-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels, followed by further refinement in the bottle.
• Scent: The nose unfolds with a generous, lingering bouquet, shaped by the intense aromas of ripe morello cherries and red fruits. This vibrant fruit depth is gracefully complemented by delicate sweet-spice nuances – hints of vanilla and cinnamon that lend the aromatic profile a warm, inviting contour. A subtle touch of exotic spice completes the composition, elegantly echoing the Levantine origins of the Syrah grape.
• Taste: On the palate, the wine reveals a rich, enveloping character, supported by a remarkable structure that harmoniously combines depth and balance. Its juicy fruitiness unfolds gently and evenly, cloaking the palate in elegant fullness. The finish is long and supple, with a pleasant echo that subtly continues the wine’s aromatic complexity.
• Colour: Brilliant and very intense ruby ​​red.
  
• Alcohol content: 14.0 % Vol.
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving Recommendation: Thanks to its aromatic depth and structural richness, this Syrah makes an exceptional companion to slow-cooked meat dishes such as beef ragout or lamb infused with Mediterranean herbs. Game specialities – venison or roe deer in fruit-accented sauces – also pair beautifully with its layered profile. Mature hard cheeses like Pecorino or aged Parmesan offer a delightful counterpoint to its spicy character, while hearty pasta dishes – think tagliatelle with truffle or Salsiccia ragù – highlight its flavour intensity to full effect. Even without food, the wine reveals an impressive presence, making it an ideal choice for contemplative evenings defined by depth and character.
• Serving Temperature: Serve between 16 and 18 °C.
• Ageing Potential: Butirah is a cellar-worthy wine with solid potential for development. Its dense structure, aromatic depth and maturation in oak provide the substance needed to evolve in complexity over time. When stored correctly – in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures – a maturation period of five to seven years is recommended. As bottle ageing progresses, the wine’s spicy and fruit-driven components emerge with greater harmony, while the tannins gain in elegance and suppleness. Those with patience will be rewarded with a more nuanced, finely balanced expression.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8002235022385
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

SYRAH

The Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a deep-red wine grape variety cultivated in various wine regions around the world. Its introduction to Sicily likely occurred in the latter decades of the 20th century. The warm Mediterranean climate and diversity of soils favour the cultivation of the Syrah vine on the island. Sunny days and mild nights provide optimal conditions for grape growth and ripening. Sicily's terroir offers a variety of conditions, from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna to the limestone soils in the west, suitable for Syrah cultivation, capable of yielding various expressions of this grape variety. The Syrah plant is vigorous, with dark green, medium-sized leaves. The vines are robust and can reach considerable heights. Syrah grapes are medium-sized and have an elongated, cylindrical shape, hanging in dense clusters on the vines. The berries are dark in colour and have a thick skin, aiding in maintaining their structure during the ripening process and winemaking. Syrah grapes in Sicily typically achieve moderate to low yields, contributing to the grapes' concentration of flavours and tannins. The Grapes usually mature late in the season, imparting balanced acidity and rich flavours to the wines. While the Syrah grape may not be as deeply rooted in Sicily as some of the traditional indigenous varieties, it has nonetheless gained importance in recent years, contributing to the diversity and quality of Sicilian wines.

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