Cantine Ermes, Sicilia DOC (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola 2018

 Cantine Emes’ unnecessarily heavy bottle and a label proclaiming Riserva gives a good indication that this Nero d’Avola will be at the more muscular end of the spectrum of wine that variety can produce.  The wine is bold, but not too pushy.  Indeed, a delectable hint of bitterness in the finish balances the overall fruitiness and weight of the wine.  A smooth texture allows you to enjoy it now with hearty fare as winter, we hope, comes to an end.