Lorlando

From northwestern Sicily's Mazara del Vallo, this organic Nero d'Avola grows on stony soils around 100-150m. After a month of maceration / fermentation in stainless, this remained there to rest for 3 months followed by 3 months more in bottle prior to release (with a new label). Dusky blackberry, plum, perfumed purple florals are threaded with scrubby wild herbs and tightened with a thorny greenness. Tannins are lightly furry / sticky via the Mediterranean sunshine, though this medium bodied wine is easily buoyed with a marine freshness through the stony finish. Drinking smartly now, ideally with grilled pork / Mediterranean veg.

Brilliantly shimmering garnet in colour with a hint of ruby. On the nose, distinctly red-fruit aromas of ripe raspberry and iced redcurrants, with a hint of black pepper and varnish. The palate is juicy with an interplay between fresh acidity and youthfully integrated tannins, pronounced fruit, with a little some bitter almond on the finish, easy to drink.