Named for a medieval musical string instrument, and featuring a grape variety that’s new to me, similar to Garnacha from Spain, and one that you’ll want to make the effort to find. It’s hard to manage and prefers specific climate and soil types, but when things are right, it works. There’s deep savory character here, with rich wood character enhancing the black fruit and brown spice without overwhelming your palate. There’s nice push to the finish, making it a good match for rich beef dishes. 100% Perricone.
Firriato, Sicilia DOC (Sicily, Italy) Perricone 2013
By Rich Cook