Overview Estate Owned by: The Morgante Family Wine Region: Sicilia Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella Total Acreage Under Vine: 150 Estate Founded: 1994 Winery Production: 400,000 Bottles

Location The Morgante winery is located in the pristine countryside of southern Sicily. A hilly region located about feet above sea level and just 45 miles from the splendid Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. The property comprises 500 acres of vineyards and almond trees. The region is ideal for viticulture, with a Mediterranean climate and soil that ranges from clay and calcareous to marl.

History After five generation of grape growing, in 1994, father Antonio and sons, Giovanni and Carmelo Morgante decided to begin bottling their own wines. This decision represented the beginning of a strong commitment to achieve the best results with indigenous grapes while keeping an eye towards innovation. In 1997, the family hired Riccardo Cotarella as their winemaker. All aspects of production from vineyard to cellar are rigorously controlled by every member of the family, each one dedicated to making wines of the highest possible quality. The Morgante Family Winemaker Riccardo Cotarella

History Today the Morgante family is well-known in all the world for the attention they have for the quality of their wines: starting from the selection of the grapes, the vinification, the bottling and the storing of the bottles. Also, the Morgante family is very careful to the environment’s problems: the winery is endowed with a very sophisticated plant for the purification of the water.

Philosophy A complete passion and devotion to the development and perfection of the Nero d’Avola grape while keeping an eye toward innovation is the mission and purpose of the Morgante family. The pursuit of excellence has always been the philosophy of the Morgante family. They want to provide to their customers very high quality products, fruit of their passion and careful devotion, that make the brand Morgante a symbol for quality and refined elegance.

Winemaker Riccardo Cotarella Born in Monterubaglio, Riccardo Cotarella comes from a family that has been in the winemaking business for many generations. In 1968, he graduated from the prestigious Enology and Viticulture School of Conegliano Started his winemaking career at the Conte Vaselli winery in Umbria. In 1979, Riccardo and his brother Renzo started the Falesco Winery. Developed the blockbuster Vitiano wines In 1981, he expand his activities to include “consulting winemaker.” Today, he owns and operates an agricultural and oenological consulting company employing young graduates of the University of Viterbo, where he is a full professor of enology and viticulture. He was the first Italian winemaker to be invited to work in Bordeaux In Italy, Riccardo’s clients include: Coppo (Piemonte), Di Majo Norante (Molise), Galardi (Campania), La Carraia (Umbria), Montevetrano (Campania), Monti (Abruzzo), Morgante (Sicilia), and Sportoletti (Umbria).

Key Selling Points 1.The winery focuses all its energy on the production of great wines from just one variety – Nero d’Avola 2.All aspects of production – from vineyard to cellar – are rigorously controlled 3.Generations of winegrowing + winemaking expertise provided by Riccardo Cotarella

Building The Brand 1.Position Morgante as a true Nero d’Avola specialist and a more lush fruit driven style that has a modern appeal 2.Use as alternative in different channels to more volumetric brands in the category 3.Vineyards are feet in elevation in the pristine countryside of southern Sicily, just 45 miles from Agrigento 4.The region is ideal for viticulture, with a Mediterranean climate and soil that ranges from clay and calcareous to marl.

Nero d'Avola Sicilia IGT 100% Nero d'Avola Aromas of ripe black cherries, blackberries, and hints of charcoal, vanilla, and black pepper. On the palate, abundant flavors of ripe fruit and exotic spice are balanced by pleasant acidity and silky tannins. Delicious with roasted meats, mushroom sauces, caponata spreads, and eggplant parmigiana.

Nero d’Avola IGT Sicilia Distribution Channel On Premise: 50% Off Premise: 50% Varietal Composition 100% Nero d’Avola Competitive SetPlaneta La Segreta Rosso - $ AVG SRP Cusumano - $10-14 AVG SRP Colosi - $11-14 AVG SRP Donnafugata ‘Sedara’ - $14 AVG SRP Feudi Arancio - $8-11 AVG SRP PricingSRP: $17.99 Min. SRP: $14.99 BTG: $10-12 Wine List: $30-40

Bianco di Morgante Sicilia IGT 100% Nero d'Avola Aromas of pineapple and citrus fruits complement undertones of caramel, corn, and lemon zest. On the palate, this white wine has some tannic grip, balanced acidity, and a fruit-forward, lingering finish. Pair with alfredo sauces, risottos, roasted chicken, and spaghetti alla puttanesca.

Don Antonio Nero d'Avola Riserva Sicilia IGT 100% Nero d'Avola Named after the estate's owner. Layered aromas of ripe black cherries, raspberries, and wildflowers, followed by spicy notes of chocolate, black pepper, and cinnamon. It is a silky yet muscular red, with lush fruit flavors beautifully integrated into a velvety texture defined by ripe, fine-grained tannins. A great match for grilled pork chops, roasted beef, barbecued ribs, and rodizio.