Feudo Montoni, Sicilia DOC (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola 2019

 Nero d’Avola remains Sicily’s most widely planted wine variety, and here’s a version made by a winery that was founded in, hold on…1469.  Today’s output is under the direction of Fabio Sireci and he makes this Nero d’Avola from 35 year old vines he propagated from an ancient, windy high elevation site.  Typically dark garnet in color, this wine, unlike many super ripe popular bottlings, then veers off into a lively, charming elegant version.  After some aeration, it opens up to offer plenty of crushed raspberry and dried herb aromatics.  On the palate it is medium-bodied with subtle berry and earthy flavors and very gentle tannins.  It finishes on a pretty, juicy berry high note.