Feudo Sartanna, Sicilia IGT (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola / Syrah 2008

 There aren’t a lot of blends made from Syrah and Nero d’Avola, an indigenous Sicilian variety that often imparts an alluring smoky or earthy element to the wine.  Even though I don’t sense that character in this wine, there’s plenty to like.  It’s a moderately big, but not boisterous, plush wine.  Despite its power, the tannins are supple, which means it lovely now, especially with hearty dishes.