The vineyards of Sicily have tremendous potential for fine wine production. As an island, Sicily benefits from the pervasive cooling marine influence. As a volcanic island, it benefits from the volcanic soils as well as the elevation of 10,000-foot Mount Etna. Except for an occasional eruption and lava flow that wipes out a few vineyards, Sicilian viticulture benefits greatly from its volcanic origins. We especially enjoy exploring the native Italian varieties. Nearly 1000 grape varieties have been identified in Italy and the search goes on throughout the country. We invite you to try this zesty and affordable Nero d'Avola which, along with the Nerello Mascalese and Frappato, rank as Sicily's top indigenous red varieties. The '08 Terre Nuove Nero d'Avola is both a delight to drink on its own and a versatile companion for a wide range of foods. Nero d'Avola (literally 'the black grape of Avola' - a town on the east coast of Sicily) has long been recognized as a potentially wonderful grape for Sicily's volcanic terroir.
The 2008 Terre Nuove bottling expresses the rich and intense character of the grape beautifully. The bouquet is laden with ripe cherry and blackberry fruit scents backed by nuances of earth, herbs, black pepper and bay leaf. On the palate, the wine is juicy, ripe and lively with hearty black fruit and cherry flavors enhanced by herbal and spice elements that give it an assertive and pleasantly mouth filling character. Sicilian cuisine is noted for bold and robust flavors and the Terre Nuove has the stuffing to match.
Serve this delicious red with pasta, pizza, full-flavored cheeses, hearty soups or stews, or just by itself. Satisfying and affordable reds like this are great choices for wintertime house wines. They capture the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and allow us to enjoy it, however vicariously, in the dark and cold of winter. Fully enjoyable now, the 2008 Nero d'Avola will provide lots of drinking pleasure over the next year or two.