We are having a free range roast organic chicken for dinner and it seemed that a lighter style red would be the perfect accompaniment, so I reached for this 12.5% a/v Joven style Nero D’Avola.
The 2020 drought vintage unfortunately meant no joven style tempranillo from Mark, what a shame I really do enjoy Mark’s temps. For 2020 this wine with fruit sourced from Chalmers has taken the place of the temp.
A very reflective bright red in the glass, the bouquet is replete with red cherries, some underpinning cherry cola, a little sarsaprilla and slights of tobacco hold an almost surreptitious unwilling rearguard. The palate, unlike the rearguard tobacco, bursts into rather frisky red cherries that can tingle your tongue a little, they tease you into thinking they will be red lolly sweet and then totally confuse you by changing into sour and savoury succulent swathes of sheer delight, a little citrus rind knocks on the door and is immediately invited into the party which turns into quite a spicy affair for awhile. Some tannins try to add a little seriousness to proceedings but the fun loving red savoury cherries and spice refuse to cease enjoying themselves. This wine is entirely unpretentious, just loves to party and is an effervescent effusive companion. We couldn’t have chosen a better match for the roast chicken. Made to drink now – no regrets.
Tasted: Sunday 23rd August, 2020 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $30
Suggested Drinking Window: 2020 – 2023
Winemaker: Mark Ravenscroft
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