2021 Donnafugata Terre Siciliane Mille e una Notte Nero d'Avola, Sicily

Dark, fruity wine full of depth with blackberries and black olives, dark chocolate and bark with a whiff of dates. Full-bodied, it shines for density with ripe, velvety tannins, a bit more dusty on the finish yet savory. Moderate acidity. Drink now.

92 points James Suckling

Named after The Thousand and One Nights, Mille e Una Notte is one of Sicily's most celebrated reds, first produced in 1995 with the guidance of legendary consultant Giacomo Tachis. Founded by the Rallo family in 1983, Donnafugata crafts this flagship wine from Nero d'Avola and other selected varieties grown at its Contessa Entellina estate. The region's clay and limestone soils, warm days and cooling breezes contribute richness, freshness and remarkable depth.

Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Black cherry, ripe mulberry and plum mingle with violet, liquorice, dark chocolate and a hint of tobacco. The 2021 vintage is concentrated yet beautifully balanced, with velvety tannins, lively acidity and a long, savoury finish touched by sweet spice and balsamic herbs.

Magnificent with slow cooked lamb and saffron, Sicilian beef involtini with pine nuts, or smoky eggplant with pomegranate and spiced lentils.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040. A serious Sicilian red with excellent potential to develop further complexity.