Friday, May 2, 2008

Firriato Chiaramonte Nero D’Avola 2005


Nero D’Avola, the most important grape in Sicily, typically exudes exotic flavors and aromas... well, this one delivers in spades. The first thing I notice is that this 100% Nero D’Avola is ready to drink without decanting and has a flavor profile reminiscent of a much higher priced wine. It is full bodied, with a deep opaque purple color, and a bouquet of very ripe plums and spices. The tannins and acids are nearly perfectly balanced to leave you with a silky finish that lingers on the tongue. The grapes are hand picked, partially maturated in barriques for 7 months, and aged another 6 months in oak barriques, with an alcohol content of 14%. I have to admit this is my new favorite Nero D’Avola (Colosi is now my #2, but to be fair it’s a lot less expensive). We had this by the bottle for $36 at In Vino Wine Bar, but it can be found retail for about $20, a bargain in any case. It paired well with a 3-mushroom ravioli in a cream sauce and a Lasagna, but would also go well with roasted pork, game or steak. Best to drink with good friends or family.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Beauty in a bottle. The people at Firriato have this wonderful gift of embracing the past while keeping in tune with the present. The deep modern fruit is present along with the taninn and spice of the good ole days when Nero D'Avola was nothing but a farmers wine or bulk wine to be blended in Tuscan and Piemontese wines. It is so good to see someone speaking about this grape and especially this producer. Wine to the people Dave! Thanks for doing the good work. Hope to see you soon at a wine tasting.

EvWg