Having won international acclaim for his highly sought-after Super-Tuscans Crognolo and Oreno, Dr. Antonio Moretti purchased a number of small properties in Sicily near the town of Noto, establishing the estate that is now Feudo Maccari. It is a remarkable assemblage of plots of old vine plots in a truly unique environment. The vineyards are located less than a mile from the Ionian Sea, which provides cooling breezes that moderate the searing heat of southern Sicily. The complex array of predominantly volcanic soils includes deposits of sand and acidity-preserving chalk, further adding to the intrigue of the region's terroir. The 'arborela' (literally 'tree-like') vines - trained high and head pruned to protect the bunches from the hot sun - range from 12 to over 35 years old.   

 Formerly a blend of nero d'Avola, syrah,and cabernet sauvignon, the 2012 Feudo Maccari Maharis is 100% syrah, which is interesting since legend has it that the Greeks introduced syrah to Sicily from Egypt in 310 BC. (The fact that this is almost certainly not true should not be allowed to spoil a very good story!). Regardless, it is astonishing to learn how well-established syrah has become in Sicily: in 2008 total plantings were 13,237 acres - far more than the combined acreage of the 70 grape varieties planted in British Columbia.

Syrah is a highly adaptable variety that thrives in the hot, dry, stony conditions in Sicily, where the Sahara Desert is a primary climatic influence. Mahâris is an extraordinary wine, presenting rich black fruit, spicy fragrance, a deeply satisfying amalgam of smoke, leather, and 'roasted earth'. Superbly concentrated and persistent, like all of Dr. Moretti's wines it is excellent value for money.