Vibrazioni Nero d'Avola 2023

The story of this Sicilian winery began in the 1930s when Vincenzo Giardina Papa, after spending his youth in America, returned to his homeland. Missing the flavours of Sicily more than anything, he opened a small tavern in Piraino, in the province of Messina. Following in his footsteps, his son-in-law Rosario Amato founded the winery in 1958 in Contrada S. Ignazio. His dedication and passion saw the winery grow over the years, with the addition of wooden barrels and concrete tanks. In the 1980s, his son Salvatore took over, introducing cutting-edge winemaking equipment, and today, Salvatore’s son Rosario continues the tradition, bringing fresh ideas and energy as the estate’s oenologist. Situated in western Sicily near Palermo, the vineyards thrive on iron-rich clay soils, which retain vital water during dry periods and contribute to the wines’ complexity. Both wines are certified organic, vegan, and low in sulphur. Fermentation and ageing take place exclusively in stainless steel to preserve the purity and freshness of the fruit, with the Nero d’Avola spending a year in tank before bottling. Winemaking Detail: After a careful selection, the best grapes are mechanically harvested. Fermentation on skins for at 26-28°C. The amount of time the grapes spend fermenting changes year on year, depending on the quality of the vintage. After spontaneous malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 6-12 months depending on the grapes. Minimum further 3 months ageing in bottle. .

After a careful selection, the best grapes are mechanically harvested. Fermentation on skins for at 26-28°C. The amount of time the grapes spend fermenting changes year on year, depending on the quality of the vintage. After spontaneous malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 6-12 months depending on the grapes. Minimum further 3 months ageing in bottle. .

Clear blackcurrent notes on the nose. Juicy black fruits but its still rather light. The tannins are delicate and the colour is relatively pale. Still there is a Sicilian spiciness and a slight hint of liquorice and prune which adds an extra dimension. Fresh, young but medium bodied with a persistant finish. Well balanced between acidity and ripe black fruits.

Lasagne, Pizza, Tomato dishes

Sicilia DOC is a broad, island-wide appellation. It launched in 2011 by a consortium of wine producers who promoted the Sicilia IGT to a DOC. The dozens of wineries participating in the appellation agreed to work in tandem to promote Sicily’s native grapes like Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Catarratto as well as the lesser known Inzolia, Grecanico and Perricone. Though, international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, are, in fact, allowed. Since wines within this denomination can be made all over the island, the DOC is more a marketing tool to promote Sicily abroad and help familiarize consumers with the range of wines. To earn the designation, viticulture and winemaking must adhere to quality control practices laid out by the DOC’s regulations