Tenuta Sallier de la Tour 'La Monaca' Syrah 2020

Winemaking

Marco Tinessa approaches winemaking with a focus on expressing the volcanic character of his Sicilian terroir. His philosophy centers on respecting the fruit and the land, allowing the natural mineral qualities of the soil to shine through in the final wine.

Tasting Notes

This Syrah opens with a striking aromatic profile: dark berries—blackberry and plum—are framed by white pepper and dried Mediterranean herbs that speak to Sicily's sun-baked landscape. On the palate, the wine reveals its structured character through ripe, well-integrated tannins, with licorice and mineral notes providing depth and complexity. A savory thread runs through the finish, which is both elegant and persistent, closing with subtle spice that lingers without heaviness.

Producer

Tenuta Sallier de la Tour is a boutique estate in Sicily's volcanic heartland, where Marco Tinessa produces wines of focused intensity and precision. The property emphasizes low-intervention winemaking that lets the distinctive volcanic soils speak, crafting wines that balance ripe fruit with minerality—a hallmark of quality Sicilian production.

Terroir

Sicily's southeastern interior, where this wine is produced, sits atop ancient volcanic soils rich in minerals and minerals that give the wine its characteristic savory backbone. The Mediterranean climate—warm days, cool nights—allows Syrah to achieve full ripeness while retaining the acidity and freshness that prevents heaviness. These volcanic slopes create the perfect conditions for building both fruit intensity and mineral complexity.

Food Pairings

Try this with pan-seared duck breast dressed with a cherry and black pepper reduction, where the wine's spice and tannin structure will complement both the richness of the meat and the sauce's brightness. A casual weeknight option would be herb-brined roasted chicken—the mineral and savory notes in the wine enhance poultry beautifully. For something more refined, consider lamb chops with anchovy and rosemary, where the Mediterranean herbs in the wine echo the dish's flavors.