The Auswine Forum

A blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Nerello Mascalase from Sambuca di Sicilia. 13.5% ABV.

Intensely fruity and full bodied plum, blackberries, figs, raspberry, black pepper, star anise, leather, hints of pawpaw. Chalky tannins. Quite a sweet, almost confectionery long finish, but well balanced by the acidity, so not cloying. If tasted blind, I would never guess this has Nerello Mascalese in it. The Nerello grapes are dried before pressing, reminiscent of an amarone style. An interesting and very modern style of Italian wine which I enjoyed drinking.

Hmm! A candidate for an upcoming Melbourne offline.

Interesting TN Ozzie
There is a view that Nero d'Avola can be an overpowering grape in a blend with other more subtle grapes, so this use of dried grapes for the NM is an interesting experiment. I suppose the risk is that the NM becomes something other than what people like it for, but I reckon it might be worth reserving judgement until we see what it's like in old age - Amarones do age well, and this has tannins and acid to support.

I used to buy frot from Sambuca. Coupl of good restaurants nearby to. I think Planeta had a biggish vineyard nearby/ Santa Margarita di belice nearby too, which was wiped out by an earthquake in 67(?)
Ian, NdA should never be diluted with Nero Mascalese, Use the force Luke ...

marsalla wrote:I used to buy frot from Sambuca. Coupl of good restaurants nearby to. I think Planeta had a biggish vineyard nearby/ Santa Margarita di belice nearby too, which was wiped out by an earthquake in 67(?)
Ian, NdA should never be diluted with Nero Mascalese, Use the force Luke ...

Surely Nero d'Avola is more Vadar than Kenobi

The force is whatever you make of it Ian.

We were probably more Empire than rebel alliance in hindsight. So we went as dark as possible, which is pretty bloody dark with Nero dAvola

I have to disagree. Anyone strong in the force would only drink Viandante del Cielo!