Gulfi NeroMàccarj 2017

Gulfi works in the hills around Chiaramonte in south-eastern Sicily, farming native grapes organically and biodynamically with as little intervention as possible. NeroMaccarj is its single-variety Nero d'Avola, the island's flagship dark grape. Sicily's hot, sun-soaked climate ripens Nero d'Avola fully, building the deep colour, ripe black fruit and generous alcohol that define the variety, while elevation and limestone in the soils help retain enough acidity and freshness to keep the wine balanced rather than heavy. After fermentation the wine is aged in wood, which rounds the ripe tannins and adds a layer of spice, vanilla and cocoa that frames the fruit. The colour is deep ruby tending to purple. The nose is generous, with ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum, dark chocolate, dried Mediterranean herbs and sweet spice. The palate is full bodied and warming, the fruit rich, the tannins ripe and rounded and the finish long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, with a short decant. It is a natural match for grilled and roasted red meat, lamb and richly sauced, tomato-based dishes.