| Type | Red |
|---|---|
| Grapes | Nocera (primary) + Syrah |
| Serving temp. | 16-18°C |
| Style | Complex, internationally approachable red blend |
| Food pairing | Braised meats; robust pasta; aged cheeses; grilled red meats; game |
Mastronicola is the most internationally approachable wine in the Cambria Winery portfolio — the point where the estate's commitment to the ancient varieties of Messina meets the expressive register of a grape from a different tradition entirely. The blend of Nocera with Syrah is a creative act of genuine intelligence: the Nocera brings the mineral depth, the ancient character, and the specific aromatic signature of the Messina volcanic hills; the Syrah brings structure, aromatic amplitude, and the kind of fruit concentration that the international market recognises and responds to.
The result is a wine of remarkable complexity — one that can be understood and appreciated both by those who come to it from the Sicilian indigenous variety tradition and by those who approach it from the perspective of an international Syrah enthusiast. Mastronicola is, in this sense, a bridge wine: rooted in the specific character of its Messina terroir while reaching outward to a broader audience.
The nose of Mastronicola is immediately engaging — complex and jam-fruity with small red and blue fruits that declare themselves clearly, then evolving into a spicy aromatic register that unfolds in layers: mint chocolate, wood, black pepper, cloves, leather, and tobacco emerge in succession, creating a profile of genuine depth. The aromatic evolution in the glass is one of the most rewarding of any wine in the UniqueWines catalogue.
On the palate, the wine is fresh, with a marked acidic shoulder that gives it energy and lift. The tannins are soft and pleasant — a quality that makes Mastronicola accessible at a relatively young age while also suggesting the capacity to develop further with time. The finish is persistent and sweet, closing with notes of liquorice root and burnt caramel that are among the most distinctive aromatic signatures in the entire Cambria range.
Mastronicola pairs naturally with the fuller flavours of Italian cuisine — braised meats, robust pasta preparations, aged cheeses — and is equally compelling alongside the stronger preparations of international cuisines. Available through UniqueWines.
