I chose this wine to taste, review and share with you for two very simple reasons: the bold, yet modest bottle design caught my eye, and my own personal intrigue for Sicilian wines. What I found out proved that the 2006 Feudo Maccari Maharis is one of the best hidden gems in our entire Italian portfolio.
IGT
Sicily has gained much popularity in recent years thanks to several producers, including Maccari, who've marketed this area as a prime climatic region for successful viticulture. Despite the heat, several unique grape varietals thrive in this region.
This specific Maharis vineyard, located in Noto, shares its ground with the famed Etna Volcano. Volcanic soil has proven to be exceptionally great for grapes that grow in high sunlight regions. Noto is also within walking distance of Avola, which is where this region's #1 grape gets its name: Nero d'Avola.
Estate
Feudo Maccari is owned by Antonio Moretti, an already well known and respected mogul in the Italian wine and fashion worlds. Moretti made his mark in 1997 by founding Tuscany's Tenuta Sette Ponti, which produces world renowned Super Tuscans such as Oreno and Crognolo. The vineyards of Feudo Maccari were purchased by Moretti and his daughter in early 2000.
This particular designation, Maharis, takes its name from the historic watch towers that the Arabs used to monitor the surrounding seas. This title was given with the intention to symbolize the meeting of diverse styles and cultures, representative of combining the indigenous Nero d'Avola grape with other noted Mediterranean varietals.
Tasting
The Maharis is a blend of Nero d'Avola (majority), Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. In the past, Nero d'Avola was considered a simple, fruity red used for blending. Today, this grape is said to be the "most important" grape of Sicily, particularly in the areas surrounding Noto.
The initial opening reminded me of the second wine of a California Cult producer, Dominus Napanook. The wine was youthful, yet showed full character with bright fruits and balanced tannin structure, making it easy to consume now or in another 10 years. Notes of balsamic glaze, wild berries and dark chocolate joined on the palate, finally acceding to a pleasingly long and persistent finish.
Wine Spectator gave it 94 well deserved points, with tasting notes like "this is a classy red?" and "Very polished. Silky-textured and beautiful. Hard to resist now."
If you're looking for something different and unique to try at your next wine tasting or dinner party, this is a must-try wine. Not only is it a 94 point Italian for under $45, it offers a great backstory with its ambiguous style. Trust me on this one - I still have several "what was that great wine in that cool bottle you had at dinner the other night?!" messages to return! Enjoy!