Classic expression of Sicily's Nero d'Avola grape for a Tuesday night with pizza.

Nero d'Avola may not be a household name, however it is the 2nd most planted grape in Sicily and the 7th most planted grape variety in all of Italy. Like in most of the Old World, Nero d'Avola styles tend to swing back and forth between two opposing poles, the traditional and the modern. The modern styles are championed by producers like Planeta, Tasca d'Almerita, and Donnafugata, and are typically dense and purplish with more than their fair share of new oak. They are great introductions to Sicilian wine for Napa Cabernet drinkers. This wine, however, represents a more elegant touch, both in ripeness and in oak. 

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's great gladiators for its indigenous varieties, and their wines can be used as a sort of weathervane to gauge the vintage's quality. They've been tending these vineyards around Palermo, along Sicily's Northern coast since 1469, making them one of Sicily's oldest properties. Concrete tanks and mostly used barrels are employed to mature the wine. Sun-kissed Sicilian red and black fruits are accented with grilled finocchio, Italian fennel, and lifted hibiscus notes.