This variety has only been in Australia for around 22 years. It originates from southern Sicily – the town of Avola. I guess, being Italian Ray Costanzo would have a natural affinity for this variety. Glowing and highly reflective in the glass, swirl this wine awhile and watch the deprecated refracted and reflected light as its quite entrancing. There are lovely red and pink rose petals and red cherries – a rose flower garden dappled with red berry fruits
A bouquet abundant with cherries, earth, spice and violet like florals and something wafting underneath those that’s almost akin to smoky bacon. The palate is a reasonably full medium body, quite succulent with just a little crunch in the acidity, red cherries lead the procession and combine with ripe raspberries both adding flavourings in a sour/savoury range that gradually transforms into a little sweetness, white peppery spices join the march and some red plums step into the line, tannins add a little drying and continue to propel the flavour experience and right there toward the end there’s some lovely red cherry lollies that form a juxtaposition with the tannins and command an irresistible puckering finale.
If you haven’t done so yet, set a date for an evening out with the black grape of Avola the only chaperone you’ll need is a large red wine glass.
Tasted: Saturday 8th August, 2020 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $30
Suggested Drinking Window: now to 2027
Winemaker: Ray Costanzo
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