The only DOCG in Sicily, this wine takes its name from Cerasa, or “cherry” in Sicilian dialect. This is a 60/40 blend of indigenous varieties Nero d’Avola and Frappato from the countryside of Dorilli between the sea and the Iblean mountains. Fourteen days on the skins, this wine spent its life in stainless before being bottled. Medium-bodied with salted raspberry, plum cherry bodied, wild tobacco, geraniums, anise, olive, sea salt and squid ink, the complexities of this wine are revealed over the course of an evening. The finish is lingering and haunting. Drinking beautifully now, with or without food (but stunning with fennel, sardines and orange, or a funghi pizza).
A classic Aglianico showing complex, developed red and dark fruit, spice, savoury and tobacco aromas, with thickly textured dark berry and black plum on the palate. Generous fruit is backed by velvety tannins in a well-balanced, richly satisfying package.
A polished Ornellaia with a creamy texture and flavours of cassis, plum, raspberry, anise, herbs and vanilla. Full-bodied, the tannins are ripe, but dusty, with an impressive finale. Cellar for a couple of years so everything folds together and then drink for another 15 afterward.
Scent of ripe grapefruit with a whiff of herb yields to lemon citrus and yellow tropical-fruit flavours with refreshingly light acidity and a long, fruity finish. Easy drinking, good value.
Grilled Seville oranges, bitter pear skin, crabapple and sharp stones in this Fiano from central Apulia’s Itria Valley, and there’s an acrid, bitter rim that sharpens the finish. This is Fiano Minutolo — mini, for the size of the small berries, which are said to contribute to the spicy character of the wine. Certainly has a snappy spice and the Mediterranean heat. Helps to tame it with food: try spicy calamari.
Opens with shy floral and delicate fruity scents, broadening on the palate with intense green-fruit flavours supported by bright acidity and a touch of mineral on the finish.
If you’re ready for a change from Pinot Grigio, this IGT Toscana white is a blend of 70/30 Vermentino/Chardonnay in stainless to preserve the crisp, bright fruit. Green apple, melon, Asian pear and perfumed lemon blossom on the clean, simple palate. Drink now, preferably with kale salad.