It’s hard to not think of the Godfather, or pinstripe wearing gangsters when someone mentions Sicily, but the island is so much more than Mafioso stereotypes. The crossroads of different cultures for three thousand years has made it a melting pot of food, architecture, and lifestyles.
That said some things do live up to their stereotypes (like the fiery temper of the Sicilian women), and this is a perfect example of the gutsy, full bodied red wine you think of when you see Italian vino. This is pure nero d’avola, sourced from the wineries own vineyards in Erice, with an aroma of fragrant spice and savoury earthiness. Sun ripened fruit makes up the palate (you can practically see the bunches of grapes, almost bursting with ripeness under the sun) with a touch of liquorice and soft tannins making for a quaffable mid weight drop.
Drink with Italian food (naturally) or break out for a barbecue, either way a couple of glasses of this and you’ll be living la dolce vita!
On the far northwestern tip of Sicily, rising steeply above the ancient city of Erice, are the vineyards of the Fazio family. One hundred hectares of low yielding vines, stretching from 200 – 500 metres of altitude, are planted primarily to Catarratto and Nero d’Avola. The fruit from family owned estate vineyards is hand harvested, usually in early September. Following a total de-stalking, the fruit is given a cold soak and cool maceration. The pressing is traditionally soft before partial maturation in stainless steel and seasoned oak barrels.
PAST ACCOLADES & AWARDS: For this bargain Nero d’Avola he took his wing-man Corey Ryan (ex-McWilliam’s) to do the final blend and advise on bottling with winemaker Giacoma Fazio. It’s all dried herbs, leather and black fruits with a granitic mineral edge, the palate is a lively mix of berries and savoury tannins with lively acidity. Not surprisingly it’s easy to drink with a spicy imprint on the finish. Another impressive import with bags of bright personality that begs for food. Patrick Haddock, The Wining Pom
It’s lighter style and none the worse for it – the ultimate weekday refreshing red (don’t quote me on that). Red fruit, blood plum, black jellybean with a subtle nut and dried herb flavour. It’s fresh and balanced with fine dry tannin and a good clean finish. Drinks beautifully and has that bit of Nero d’Avola charisma as a point of difference. 90/100, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
'Initially quite elegantly perfumed: lavender and blueberry, before savoury charm takes over - hints of leather, bitumen and tobacco.
Savoury tannin, graphite-mineral character and black fruits completing the equation. A good peak peak of lively acidity shows how versatile the wine is when paired with food. Good finish, with a mix of acid, tannin and the aforementioned savoury charm. 89 - Good, Stu Robinson, The Vinsomniac
