Feudo Montoni Vrucara Nero d'Avola 2020 750ML

Tasted from magnum, the organic Feudo Montoni 2020 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Vrucara is a wine that vintner Fabio Sireci has been working to improve for many years. It remains one of the best expressions of the grape on the market today. Since the 2017 vintage, it has included 15% stems. The "progetto raspi" is something that was passed down from Fabio's father, Elio. The trick is to avoid the bitterness of the stems, something Fabio does by sun-drying the fruit on cane mats as if it were an appassimento. The wine ages in cement for 40 months. The fruit comes from a 2.2-hectare site with clay and sand at 500 meters in elevation.

The warm nose balances the sweetness of cherry cola and blood orange with the savoriness of dirt and mixed herbs. On the palate, the blood orange and herb notes star, as emergent flavors of red plum, strawberry and black pepper intensify that interplay. Smooth, firm tannins create a streamlined yet deep feel.

A rich and juicy note of Amarena cherry is underscored by fragrant accents of tar, mountain herbs, cocoa powder and red licorice. The detailed profile rides the lightly plush and pleasing texture, framed by well-integrated, creamy-edged tannins. Drink now through 2034.