I have been enjoying many Nerello Mascalese wines of late from the Mount Etna area. I just adore this varietal. I realize that Nero d’Avola is the most widely planted varietal in Sicily, but some of the descriptions of the wines in general I had read underwhelmed me so I never bought any. I have also heard more recently that this wine’s character can vary tremendously (more so than most wines) depending on terroir, wine maker’s processes, etc. So, I picked up a bottle of 2016 Ariana Occhipinti Terre Siciliane Siccagno and opened it yesterday. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was surprised by the light body and relatively subdued fruits. I found it very pleasant but not particularly delicious or complex. I don’t want to give up just yet on Nero D’Avola and would appreciate any praise for the varietal in general that might get me more interested and/or recommendations for specific producers and specific wines.
I really enjoy the Gulfi Nerojbleo and it’s a tremendous value. Peter T recommends some producers in the recent Nerello Mascalese thread, and is very knowledgeable on the subject, both Nero and Sicilian wines generally.
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Glenn,
Yes, The Gulfi Nero d’Avolas are all really good, probably the best 100% Nero d’Avola!
Btw Cerasuolo wines are mainly Nero d’Avola with Frappato blended in for balance, many of these are probably what you will best suits your palate. In general there is certainly great variation in expression of this grape and lots of versions are like liquid blackberry pie.
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Lots of information in the recent Nerello Mascalese thread, you might want to look it up.
