Sicily, Italy
Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most important and widely planted red varietal. The husband-and-wife team of Corrado and Valeria Gurrieri organically farm the Tenuta la Favola’s forty-seven acres in the shadow of Mt. Etna near Sicily’s southernmost point. The duo’s superb 2018 Nero d’Avola glows a translucent plum color in the glass followed by aromas of black raspberries, damson plums, licorice, and tarry earth. On the palate, the Nero d’Avola layers palate-saturating plum and cherry fruit, fine, lip-smacking tannins, and delicious expressions of blueberries, almond, and piquant earth. Long, chewy, and lingering, the wine reprises its suave black-fruited core alongside notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and violets. We suggest pairing this now and over the coming three years with pizza margherita, hearty salumi, grilled beef or lamb, and pasta tossed with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and olive oil. Don’t miss this southern Italian wine of remarkable suppleness, balance, elegance, and drinkability.
A January 2021 newsletter selection
