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Sicily isn’t exactly known for Petit Verdot, and that’s exactly what makes the Mandrarossa Timperosse such a thrill to drink. This is a rare, bold, and ridiculously cool take on a grape that usually hides in blends—but here, it’s the headliner. Grown on sandy coastal soils, these hand-harvested grapes soak up the island’s sun before being crafted with precision: slow fermentation in stainless steel, a patient 7 months on fine lees, then time in wood and bottle until every note sings. The result is light, bright, and silky, with layers that keep unfolding—proof that Sicily doesn’t just break the rules, it rewrites them in style.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts a rich winemaking tradition influenced by its diverse climates and unique terroirs. From its sunny coastal areas to the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, Sicily’s varied landscapes contribute to its distinctive and flavorful wines.

Mandrarossa, established in 1999, brings a modern twist to Sicilian winemaking by blending tradition with innovation. The winery is known for its commitment to exploring and optimizing Sicily’s terroirs. With guidance from oenologists Mimmo De Gregorio and Filippo Buttafuoco, and experts like Alberto Antonini and Pedro Parra, Mandrarossa focuses on cultivating grapes in prime locations such as the sandy coastal areas and hillside vineyards of Menfi. This dedication to quality includes in-depth research on limestone soils and various Sicilian regions to enhance their wine production.

Mandrarossa’s vineyards are spread across several notable Sicilian territories. Menfi, with its subtle hills and Mediterranean coastline, provides a unique habitat for cultivating grapes. The area’s rich biodiversity and favorable climate contribute to the high quality of Mandrarossa’s wines. 

Additionally, the winery explores new regions, including the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, which offer distinct and complex flavor profiles. This commitment to understanding and utilizing Sicily’s diverse terroirs allows Mandrarossa to produce exceptional wines that reflect the island's varied landscapes.

100% Petit Verdot. The wine is medium bodied, ruby-red in color with purplish reflections. The aroma is bright with elegant notes of red fruits as black mulberries and plums and aromatic herbs as rosemary and sage. On the palate it is young and vivid, with soft and gentle tannins. This wine is reminiscent of wines from nearby Mt. Etna made with Nerello Mascalese in that it is very pretty.

The sweet, floral nose features both light notes of vanilla and cherry blossom and richer aromas of milk chocolate and strawberry jam. That richness swells on the palate, but astringent undertones of cranberry and orange zest do just enough to keep the decadence in check. Acid languishes around chewy tannins. ~90 Wine Enthusiast

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