Fina Bausa Nero D’Avola 2020

Cantine Fina farms near Marsala, on the sun-baked western coast of Sicily, and Bausa is a varietal Nero d'Avola named after the district where the winery sits. Nero d'Avola is Sicily's signature red grape, thriving in the island's heat and light to build ripe, deeply coloured fruit and a warming 14% alcohol. The estate works its land respectfully, and the wine is raised for 18 months in foudres, large old oak casks that allow gentle oxygen exchange to soften tannin and add complexity without the overt spice and vanilla of small new barrels, keeping the fruit at the centre. The colour is deep red. The nose is ripe dark plum and cherry, black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of liquorice. The palate is full and warm, fruit driven, with soft ripe tannin, a savoury herbal thread and a long finish carrying spice and a leathery depth. This is a generous, sun-filled red for the table. Serve it at 16 to 18C. It suits grilled and roasted red meats, rich tomato-based dishes and mature hard cheeses.