The Sicilian

In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two demons of prostitution. Asmodeus is the offspring of the relationship between Naamah and Adam. Of all of the varietals of Italy, Nero d’Avola is as lustful and pleasurable as it gets. Rich, peppery and opulent. It has many of the same characteristics of Syrah and is the most important grape of Sicily.

Until the 1980s, commercial use of Nero d'Avola was dedicated almost exclusively to fortifying weaker reds in France and northern Italy. In the past, Nero d'Avola, like other Sicilian reds, was often syrupy, with an alcohol content reaching 18%. New viticulture techniques and night harvesting --placing the grapes in cooled vats to prevent premature fermentation-- have been used by a few vintners to retain flavor without producing an overpowering wine. The result is often compared to Syrah.

Although the vines are 21 years old, 2013 marks the first vintage from a new vineyard. The site is located in central Sicily, in the province of Caltanissetta, at about 1,600 feet above sea level. The altitude, together with the distance from the sea ensures great condition for ripening the Nero d'Avola. The vines are planted south facing following the vertical trellis system on sandy and clay rich soil using guyot pruning.

After de-stemming and maceration of the skins for about 8 days at a temperature of 75-78°C, the grapes are subject to soft press and then vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends about 1 month in used French and American oak barrels which gives a little more structure.

Dark ruby-red. Blackberry and dark plum on the fresh nose, with complicating notes of anise, shoe polish and fresh herbs. Bright and juicy on entry, then firmer in the middle, offering dark cherry and plum flavors and a hint of cola. A musky herbal note comes up with air on the moderately long finish, with the cola note recurring.

Only $11.96 in the Bottle Club®.