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!
From the Winery
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.
