2019 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore “Capovolto”La Marca di San Michele
Italy | Le Marche
$27
Producers
by Anthony Lynch
2019 Eloro Nero d’Avola “Spaccaforno”
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Eloro
When Massimo Padova took over his family’s winery in the early 1990s, he sought to realize the full potential of the land through organic farming and low-intervention winemaking. Riofavara became the first local producer to adopt this philosophy, fermenting exclusively with native yeasts and bottling unfiltered. This delicious entry-level Nero d’Avola is a testament to these methods: dark and smooth, the Spaccaforno is generous but not heavy, with suggestions of blackberry, licorice, and spice leading to a lively, chalky finish.
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2019 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Nero d’Avola |
Appellation: | Eloro |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sicily |
Producer: | Riofavara |
Winemaker: | Massimo Padova |
Vineyard: | 30 years, 4 ha |
Soil: | Limestone |
Aging: | At least 6 months of élevage in French oak (80% second passage, 20% third passage) and 10 months minimum in bottle before release |
Farming: | Organic (certified) |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Eloro
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.
While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.
Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Eloro
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Portelli Italy | Sicily | Vittoria Frappato
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Let the brett nerds retire into protective bubbles, and whenever they thirst for wine it can be passed in to them through a sterile filter. Those of us on the outside can continue to enjoy complex, natural, living wines.
Inspiring Thirst, page 236
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa