“This is Sicily's Nero d'Avola in all its naked glory.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most important indigenous red grape variety. It was the first to gain notoriety in international markets and is now plated widely across the island. I’ve tasted many different styles of this intriguing grape from the wild terrains and climates of Sicily, but this bottling from Feudo Montoni really stood out to me when I opened a bottle recently. With floral overtones and a sense of elegance that I rarely see it this price point it’s a quite stunning red that’s a pleasure to drink.

Feudo Montoni Lagnusa Nero d’Avola 2018

Sale $19.99

92 pts Vinous / 91 pts Wine Advocate

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily’s oldest wine estates, founded in 1469 its family owned and operated by the Sireci family today. Certified organic the property is focused on authentic expressions of indigenous Sicilian grape varieties. Fabio Sireci proudly operates this wine estate that is very much in harmony with the land, using renewable energy sources and low-impact farming practices. “We keep the vines rustic, so the foliage is free to express itself," proclaims Fabio. “The vineyards are not fertilized—we condition the land by sowing broad beans and peas, and we do not use any chemical products.” In fact the Montoni estate is actually a fully functional organic farm, growing grains, olives, vegetables and fruits along with the grapevines. This Lagnusa is a single hillside vineyard (or “cru”) Nero d’Avola. The word Lagnusa means lazy in Sicilian, a term that has been used for this site for centuries by farmers because the vines produced such low-yields. Makes me chuckle, I can just imagine an old Sicilian farmer yelling “lagnusa!” as he picked just a few bunches from each vine. Of course we know now that these lower yields produce higher quality fruit and more flavorful wines. I love the floral aromas that waft from the glass with red cherry, damson plum, warm spices and wild herbs. The palate is rich with red fruits, plush and juicy on the tongue but not heavy. There’s an affable nature to this wine, satin-like texture, bright minerals and a fresh long finish. Delicious now and I bet it’ll age gracefully for at least another 4 years. You can enjoy it by itself, or pair with grilled red meats, cold cuts, cheeses, and pasta of course. I bet a nice piece of seared tuna would work great!

“Bright deep red. Mineral and sweet spices complicate red cherry and botanical herbs on the nose and in the mouth. Long and very lively on the juicy, suave back end. Lovely stuff.” - VM

“The 2018 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Lagnusa is a well-proportioned expression of this native Sicilian grape that shows equal parts primary intensity with blackberry and cherry contrasted against subtle earthy tones. This is Sicily's Nero d'Avola in all its naked glory. Pair this wine with veal involtini.” – WA Click on the pic for a recipe


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.