Feudo Maccari Saia Nero d'Avola 2018  £21.86

FEUDO MACCARI SAIA NERO D'AVOLA 

Located in Noto on Sicily’s south-eastern tip near the town of Avola, Feudo Maccari was acquired by Antonio Moretti Cuseri - who also owns the Tuscan Tenuta Sette Ponti estate - and his daughter Monica in 2000. This region has extremely fertile volcanic soils, as indicated by the abundant lemon and olive groves, carob trees and flowering almonds. In 2002, after extensive trials to find the most suitable whites for the region’s volcanic and limestone soils, 18 hectares of Grillo were planted. This was in addition to around 50ha of existing Alberello (bush training) plantings of Nero d’Avola and Syrah dating back to the early ‘80s. These varieties flourish here, producing a portfolio of elegant and well-structured wines.

From selected plots of vines - mostly 30-40 years old, grown on south-facing higher ground where the calcium-rich soil gives greater delicacy and perfume. They are all 'albarello' (head-trained) bush vines - which are particularly suited to hot and windy climates. The grapes undergo 20 days maceration with regular punching-down of the cap. Then the wine is matured for 10-14 months in French barriques and aged in bottle for 6 months prior to release.

This splendidly opulent wine shows the heights that Nero d’Avola can reach. It’s showy, but in a good way – generous and charming, with expressive plummy fruit and coffee and violet notes along with well-integrated oak following 14 months in French barriques. All of this is backed up by silky-smooth tannins and mouth-watering acidity. This is not the sort of wine that needs an explanation – it’s virtually impossible to not be impressed by it. 

Awards

2015 Vintage - Wine Merchant Top 100