Tasted: 2007 Fatascià Kailá

2007 Fatascià Kailá

Appellation: Sicilia IGT

Tasting Notes: 50% Grillio, 50% Inzolia, 13% ABV.  This is a really interesting white blend, apparently typical of Sicily.  I bought it on the recommendation of the staff at Betway Fine Wine, and served it at a party a couple of weeks ago.  I typically don’t take any ‘notes’ at parties, they are about conversation and sharing with good friends and family (which is really what wine is about, isn’t it?)  I had a bottle left over (I may or may not have planned it that way), so I’m able to share some notes other than “I like this wine”.

In the glass, it’s a dark golden color, very rich in appearance.  The nose is a little tight, although it was fairly cold at first; as it warmed a bit I got some minerality, honey, citrus, and melon.  All very subtle, but pleasant.   The first taste is of minerality, followed by a wonderful collection of flavors that all work together, honey, melon, grapefruit, then more minerality.  Outstanding acid, great mouthfeel, lingering finish with a slight floral component.  Well balanced.  This is one of the best Italian white wines I think I’ve had, and it’s a pretty solid bargain to boot.  A nice crowd pleaser as well.
Rating: 5/5;  18/20;  91/100
Price: $9.99 at Beltway Fine Wine

A note on ratings:  I use the 100 point rating for Cellartracker, even though my palate is still developing.  As a statistics geek, I know that the variability in scores works itself out as the number of scores increases.  However, my score may not be yours, or Robert Parker’s.  I much prefer to use a 5 point (or star, or whatever you want to call it) scale, as it more represents my reaction to wine, which is more simple than a 100 point scale represents.  I like the 20 point scale as the more detailed score.   On this site, I will provide all three, although the most meaningful are the 5 and 20 point ratings.