Nero d'Avola

Founded in 2001, Stemmari is a Sicilian winery owned by northern Italy-based Gruppo Mezzacorona, with vineyards in Sambuca di Sicilia and Acate. Its wines range from varietal bottlings to premium selections including Hedonis, Dalila and Cantodoro, generally emphasizing balance, richness, structure and a contemporary, soft style. Sustainability is central to the estate: Stemmari was the first Italian winery to receive EMAS 2 certification and uses integrated pest management, nitrogen-fixing plants, erosion-control grasses, rainwater-storage lakes, solar hot-water heating and photovoltaic panels supplying about two-thirds of its energy. An underground cellar also reduces air-conditioning needs. Winemaking is led by Lucio Matricardi, Ph.D.