Cantine Ermes, Salento IGT (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola 2021

 With its dark, cherry red color and evocative aroma I was hooked before I even tasted the wine.  In the mouth, cherry and berry flavors beguile the taste buds while the silky texture and sleek tannins contribute additional pleasure.  "Un Leggero Appassimento" written on the label refers to the fact that the grapes were partially dried before vinification to help concentrate flavors, and may also have influenced the wine’s compact texture.  In very hot weather it may not be a bad idea to chill the bottle slightly before serving.