Sicilia DOC Rosato Lu Meli 2022 Li Ciuri

What kind of wine is it?

Lu Meli by Li Ciuri is a rosé wine from the Sicilia denomination, made from 100% Nero d’Avola grapes. It features a fresh and full style, supported by good structure and a distinctly fruity profile. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled steel vats with a brief skin maceration to extract color, followed by fermentation without skins. The result is a characterful rosé, defined and linear, designed for immediate drinking but with a noticeable persistence that pairs well at the table.

Where does it come from?

The wine originates from the island and is classified under the Sicilia denomination as a rosé, with a clear connection to the territory also reflected in the brand name Li Ciuri, which means "the flowers" in Sicilian dialect. The reference to the ceramics of Caltagirone highlights a cultural inspiration that recalls a recognizable local tradition. The Sicilian origin, expressed through Nero d’Avola, guides the style toward a rosé with aromatic intensity, well-defined fruit, and a freshness that supports the sip. The regional character offers a consistent and identifiable profile, focused on typicity and expressive clarity.

How is it produced?

The Nero d’Avola grapes are harvested and selected between late August and early September. After picking, the bunches are destemmed and sent to temperature-controlled steel vats for vinification, where the must undergoes a short and gentle maceration in contact with the skins. During this phase, the wine acquires its typical rosé color, and once the desired hue is reached, the skins are separated from the must. Fermentation then continues without the skins, with a technical approach focused on precision, aromatic clarity, and controlled extraction.

Tasting notes

To the eye, it displays a vivid and bright pink color, with a clarity consistent with the gentle maceration typical of the type. The nose offers an intense bouquet with floral notes and a well-defined fruity component recalling peach, crisp cherry, and pomegranate, accompanied by pleasant mineral notes. On the palate, the sip is decidedly fresh and full, with structure and a sense of body that are well-perceived for a rosé. The finish is persistent, with a light, orderly fruity return that smoothly rounds off the tasting.

Food pairings

It pairs easily with charcuterie appetizers and rich cold salads, where its freshness supports the fattiness and juiciness of the ingredients. It's also great with grilled white meats, thanks to its fruity profile and good structure, as well as fresh and semi-aged cheeses, which find balance in the wine's persistence. Traditionally, it can accompany a Sicilian caponata, enhancing the contrast between sweetness and acidity in the dish. At the table, it also works well with flavorful fish dishes when a rosé with good aromatic intensity is desired.

When to serve it

This is a rosé suited to convivial moments and lunches or dinners where a fresh but substantial wine is desired, capable of handling various pairings. It expresses itself best when served well chilled to enhance the clarity of the fruit and the mineral component. It's particularly recommended in the warm season and for outdoor occasions, such as aperitifs and outdoor barbecues, where drinkability and persistence complement each other. Its technical approach in steel and brief maceration aim for immediate expressiveness and balance, making it an easy choice for the table.