Tenuta Fenice Riserva 2022

This fine, silky Sicilian barrel-matured blend blends a little juicy Cabernet with Nero d’Avola from high old vineyards. Nero d’Avola is one of the hero grapes of Sicily. Much of it was grown around the island’s high village of Poggioreale. One prime vineyard belonged to Dino Taschetta’s grandfather. Here he grew fruit with deep, rich flavours that greatly impressed the young Dino. Disaster struck, however, in 1968 when an earthquake hit the area. The vines were abandoned, but today Dino is restoring the vineyard to its former glory. He uses these Nero d’Avola grapes to make his much loved Tenuta Fenice wines, adding to this fine Riserva a portion of juicy Cabernet and ageing it all in barrel. Now with three years’ maturity, this Riserva has gathered complex, savoury, smoky tobacco and spice notes to flatter the dark cherry flavours. Perfect with roast lamb.