$25/bottle under the original label
If you're a fan of Brunello or Super Tuscans, I have a deal for you today that's neither in namesake, but also neither in price tag, resonating with that same level of quality, approachable now with a healthy decant but will cellar beautifully.
By far, the most recognized grape from the Island of Sicily is the Nero d'Avola grape. On offer isn't your youthful, fruit-forward Nero, this is the organic, hand-selected clusters raised in black volcanic soils, Riserva-level island offering; much more brooding and contemplative than its lighter-styled brethren.
Rooted to black soils, hand-harvested, aged for ~20 months in oak, with a required 6-months of bottle aging before release, this is an Icon-level wine befitting a top slot in the Italian upper echelon that will age gracefully in cellar and over the next 10+ years.
Now, while I wax poetic about inclusions amongst the Southern Italian greats, I should also mention the best deals come from lesser-known or heralded locations.
Lot 337 | 2020 Nero d’Avola Riserva Sicilia DOC
Complex, broad and contemplative, the bouquet is wild, fresh, piercing and sleek, resonant with plums, dark cherries, earthy minerality, and a gorgeous licorice halo. On the palate, tobacco and deeper licorice notes intermingle with dark plums rounded out with chili pepper spice, medium acidity, and plentiful, seamlessly integrated tannins. The finish is long and pure, resonating with black cherries and vanilla overtones. Excellent with a stew in the colder months, this is a great accompaniment to firing up the grill in the warmer ones too. A healthy decant is recommended in the near future.
100% Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC
18-20 months in oak
14% alc
250 cases produced
