2015 Stemmari Hedonis Nero d’Avola is a serious red and a step above most of the wines we tasted from Sicily. Stemmari is raising the bar by pushing Sicily’s signature red grape into the premium wine category, although still very affordable. After going through a full malolactic fermentation, the wine from this selection is aged in French and American oak barrels for 18–20 months. Simultaneously, a second selection of grapes is allowed to hang longer on the vine to introduce an additional level of fruit complexity and distinctive dark rich flavors.

The color is intense dark ruby with purple edges. On the nose the wine has a bouquet of ripe plum, black cherry, roasted coffee, pipe tobacco and spice. On the palate, the wine shows its stuff, with delicious dark fruit, silky tannins, and a juicy mouth-feel. The finish is long, juicy and totally delicious. Pair with Sunday gravy with spaghetti, red meat dishes and lamb. It also works sipping solo. This is a wonderful effort by winemaker Lucio Matricardi, pushing Nero d’Avola to a whole new level. Bellissimo!

By Perry Miroballi