Feudo di Principi Butera, the Place, the People, the Food and the Wine

It was a long trip from Lecce, Puglia, to Butera, Sicily, I was weary. I imagine like travelers who may have come here in 1543, to celebrate Ambrogio Bracinforte’s nomination as Lord of Feudo Principi di Butera by King Philip of Spain. The Bracinforte family went on to become one of the Sicily’s most powerful.

As we entered the rustic entry gate and approached the main house, I felt a new breath of life, a palatable excitement that grew as I took in the rich ambiance of the property.

Over the next 18 hours we feasted on a bounty of sights, sounds, scents and flavors; charming words and beautiful colors.

The estate was acquired by the Zonin family in recent years. They have transformed it to a great vineyard while carefully preserving its past. A place to stay and enjoy.

We were warmly greeted by our hosts Claudio Galosi, the estate’s eonologist, and Laura Luciani, Ufficio Ospitalità. And a nephew of Gianni Zonin. Alesandro I believe, who is a new director.

As soon as we settled in we were invited to a technical presentation and tasting of the current Butera releases. Presented by Claudio and Alessandra Zambonin, Zonin Press and Communications Manager, who translated as needed. Their voices so melodicly sharing the story of the wines.

The highlights were the Nero d’Avola and Insolia, indigenous varieties, that Feudo Principi di Butera grows and also the high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay that is produced to satisfy the demand of the international market.

Following the tasting we had a magnificent dinner which began with the fine Zonin Prosecco.

Sicilian olives and Sun-dried tomatoes may be the best I have ever tasted.

This Risotto Rosso is made with red wine, we served our version of this at a dinner for friends Friday night. A great way to fight the chill of the recent storms.

A simple Sicilian feast. Braised lamb and potatoes with fresh rosemary from the Butera gardens.

One of the most outstanding wines was the Nero D’Avola named Deliella after Principality of Deliella, founded in the 1700's by the Italian Royal Family of Savoia on the very lands which today represent the borders of the Feudo Principi di Butera. It is a wine of great finesse and character that represents the skill and commitment of the Butera team very well.

A dinner in Sicily could not be complete without some of the world favored Cannoli pastry.

These were perfection.

After a evening of great food, wine and conversation we retired to our suite in the fortress like residence building.

We enjoyed a deep and restful sleep. The dark and quiet nights here are narcotic.

The enlivening morning light woke us gently, we dressed and went out for a walk before breakfast.

The vineyards are expansive, lush grapes, all harvested now.

Olive trees, rosemary and other herbs, as well as beautiful flowers are everywhere, all part of the Zonin holistic approach to farming. Every taste an olive right off the tree?

An ancient cistern, Did the Bracinforte family quench their thirst from from here? I think so.