Baroni Di Pianogrillo Otto/Otto Terre Siciliane 2024

Baroni di Pianogrillo farm organically in Sicily, the warm Mediterranean island in southern Italy, and bottle this Nero d'Avola as IGT Terre Siciliane. Nero d'Avola is the island's flagship dark grape, usually giving ripe, full reds, but here it is picked to keep a light 12.5 percent alcohol and a fresh, lifted style. Sicily's strong sun ripens the fruit while altitude and coastal influence preserve acidity. The wine spends 24 months in oak barrels, a long élevage in which slow oxygen exchange through the wood resolves the tannins, adds a measured spice and cedar frame and builds savoury complexity while keeping the fruit in focus. Expect a bright ruby colour, a fresh and slightly sweet nose of red cherry, red berries and plum with garrigue herbs, black pepper and a hint of liquorice, and a medium-bodied, juicy palate with soft tannins, lively acidity and a clean finish. This is a southern Italian red that leads with freshness rather than weight. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer. Good with grilled meats and tomato-based dishes.