BUTIRAH Syrah Sicilia DOC 2022

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

Red wine from Italy

In the heart of Sicily's most revered and remote regions lies an oasis of remarkable beauty. This area is home to Sicily’s noble indigenous grape varieties and is the preferred terroir for Nero d’Avola. The estate encompasses a historic Baglio, once belonging to the Princes of Butera, and is situated in one of the island’s most mineral-rich areas, just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coasts, between the Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armerina. The diversity and biological richness of the soils, combined with a microclimate influenced by sea breezes, make this ancient land the ideal place for sustainable viticulture and a unique refuge of biodiversity. Amidst the vibrant colours of citrus fruits and the scents of Mediterranean scrub, elegant wines with refined aromas, great intensity, and freshness are born.

The ancient Arabic name Butera evokes the Levantine origins of Syrah and reveals the exotic soul of a Sicily poised between East and West. Butirah is an intense and enveloping red wine, with scents of sour cherry, fruits, and sweet spices.

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a profound red wine variety introduced to Sicily in the late 20th century. The warm Mediterranean climate and diverse soils provide optimal conditions for its cultivation. Syrah grapes thrive particularly well on Sicily’s mineral-rich soils, from the volcanic slopes of Etna to the limestone soils in the west. The vines are robust, reaching considerable heights, and the dark-coloured berries grow in dense clusters with thick skins that preserve their structure. Despite moderate to low yields, the grapes develop a good concentration of aromas and tannins. Syrah wines from Sicily are characterised by balanced acidity and rich aromas, making them a valuable part of Sicily’s wine offerings.

In the picturesque region of Riesi in southwestern Sicily, where the Principi di Butera winery tends its magnificent vineyards, the grapes flourish under the warm sun and gentle Mediterranean breezes. Carefully hand-harvested at perfect ripeness, the grapes are gently pressed to preserve their natural freshness and aromas. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 28–30 degrees Celsius and lasts about 8 days, optimally extracting the essence of the grapes. The wine then ages for 12 months in large 60-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels, before being further refined in the bottle for several months to develop its full bouquet and complexity.

The "Butirah" Syrah Sicilia DOC presents itself in a vibrant, intense ruby red that glows in the glass. Its bouquet is broad and persistent, full of pleasant notes of sour cherry, fruits, and sweet spices that captivate the senses. On the palate, the Syrah is rich and enveloping, with great structure and clear sensations of pleasant fruitiness, harmoniously supported by a long and delicate finish.

At an optimal drinking temperature of about 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, the "Butirah" Syrah Sicilia DOC from Principi di Butera pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats like juicy steaks, tender lamb chops, or flavourful game. It also harmonises perfectly with spicy stews and braised dishes. Aromatic cheese platters, featuring aged cheeses and blue cheese, are also ideal companions. Mediterranean dishes like lamb tagine or pasta with robust, spicy sauces highlight its qualities superbly. With its powerful character and spicy notes, this Sicilian wine is an ideal partner for hearty and aromatic meals.

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: 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.
  
• Sensory characteristics: Broad and persistent bouquet with pleasant notes of sour cherries, fruits, and sweet spices. Dry, rich, and enveloping on the palate with excellent structure and clear sensations of pleasant fruitiness, supported by a long and caressing finish.
  
• Colour: Brilliant and very intense ruby ​​red.
  
• Alcohol content: 14.0 % Vol.
• Closure type: Natural cork.
  
• Serving Recommendation: Ideal with hearty filled pasta, pasta with spicy sauces and hare ragout, stews, and braised game. Excellent also with aged Pecorino or blue cheese.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• Warning: Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the child's health.
• Awards: The WineHunter Award 2023: GOLD; JamesSuckling.com: 92 POINTS.
• EAN (bottle): 8002235022385
• 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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