2018 Saia Sicilia IGT

Here is another pure expression of Nero d'Avola that aspires to bring us the most sophisticated and nuanced approach to a grape that is too often relegated to basic workhorse functions that are far below its potential. Wines like this have successfully carved out a space for high-end Sicilian reds in retailers across the world. The Feudo Maccari 2018 Sicilia Saia is proud and generous, with thick layers of dark fruit folded into soft oak and spice. This release of 65,000 bottles tastes great now, straight out of the gate, so there isn't much need to wait longer.

The 2018 Nero d'Avola Saia is dark and rich with sweet herbs, tobacco and balsamic spice giving way to ripe plums. Its fleshy textures envelope the palate in an intense wave of ripe black fruits, balanced by brisk acids and saline-mineral tones that add a more grippy feel toward the close. Notes of sage and blackberries linger long through the finale, over a coating of round tannins. The 2018 is showing very nicely, but it should also mature well through medium-term cellaring.

Nero d'Avola fermented at controlled temperatures with total skin contact of 20 days and aged in French oak barrels for between 12 and 14 months. Concentrated crimson. Deep, savoury-sweet dark-fruit nose with hints of soy sauce, tomato stalks and a hint of oak sawdust and iron. Juicy blackberry and blueberry fruit with fine grip of tannins on the finish. Long and focused and elegant rather than powerful and concentrated. Quite high acidity. (WS)