From one of the top producers in Sicily, this is Carricante (carico means “burdened” which refers to the abundant fruit on these bush vines) 800 m above sea level on the sandy loam northern slopes of Mount Etna. This was vinified and matured in stainless steel, preserving the pure fruit and the electric acidity of volcanic Etna. White asparagus leads ample salty minerality, broken stones, herbal lees and brisk lemon pith/peel on this light-/medium-bodied, structural and defined frame. Profound, with appealing angularity and intriguing complexity, this drinks beautifully now in youth, but will reward further with time in the cellar.
Rather muted on the nose with bright, lightly sweet dark cherry flavour, grippy tannins and brisk, forward acidity, finishing with firm dry tannic bite. Better with a couple of years additional cellaring.
A blend of equal parts Colorino, Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Dense ruby-purple in colour with a cedary, plum and cherry nose; light- to medium-bodied, high-toned, sour-cherry and plum flavours.
Susumaniello is an ancient grape, supposedly found only in the Italian region of Apulia (Puglia) and is thought to be a cross between Sangiovese and some unidentified parent (bastard child). Perfumed and fragrant blackberry, delicate black liquorice, heady balsamic and plum; this is light-bodied and soft, but framed with very grippy, downy and thorny tannins. The balsamic lingers on the grippy finish. Fresh and characterful, and lovely with lighter pork or rabbit.
Consistent year over year, and the 2014 is no different. This Barbera, from the hillsides of Langhe and Monferrato, brings black cherry, anise, worked leather and black raspberry across a fleshy, cured-meats and oak-framed medium body. Scrubby herbs, pipe tobacco and brisk spicing liven the smooth palate, while 6 months in oak barrels and Slavonian casks defines it. An approachable and interesting red for drinking now, especially with wild mushroom risotto or boar pappardelle.
Cherry, plum and lightly spicy scents with a pungently earthy but appetizing overtone and a whiff of green herb on the nose. Characteristic black cherry and dark plum flavours kick in on the palate supported by balanced acidity and light tannic grip. Well made, food-friendly and solid value.
Full ruby. Restrained nose revealing some red-fruits notes. More expressive on the palate with a fresh fruity taste lifted by acidity, spicy notes (cinnamon) in compact, tight and firm mid-palate and finish. Overall quite elegant and refined given its reasonable price.