2021 Feudo Arancio Riserva Rosso, Sicilia

Feudo Arancio Riserva Rosso from Sicilia is a generous, sun drenched and beautifully approachable red that showcases the estate’s mastery of warm climate viticulture on the island’s ancient soils. Feudo Arancio farms vineyards across southern Sicily where rolling hills of limestone, sand and clay soak up long hours of Mediterranean sunshine while cool sea breezes help preserve freshness. The Riserva Rosso is typically built around Nero d’Avola, sometimes supported by Syrah depending on the vintage, and each parcel is handled separately before blending to achieve depth, balance and aromatic lift. Low yields, careful canopy work and late season ripeness give the wine its plush fruit profile, while long maturation in oak barrels and large casks adds structure, spice and savoury complexity.

The aromatics are warm and expressive. Black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry form the generous core, wrapped in notes of wild herbs, violets, sweet spice and sun baked earth. Hints of cocoa, vanilla bean, cedar and dried fig emerge as the wine opens, reflecting both Sicily’s heat and the influence of well judged oak. Beneath the richness lies a faint mineral line reminiscent of warm stone and sea breeze, characteristic of the island’s varied terrains.

On the palate the wine is full, velvety and gently structured. Juicy dark fruit flows across supple tannins, balanced by a thread of acidity that keeps the wine lively despite its richness. Flavours of plum compote, black cherry, mulberry, mocha, anise and Mediterranean herbs move in generous layers. The texture is smooth and rounded, finishing with a long echo of dark berries, spice and soft oak warmth. With a little time in bottle it gains savoury notes of leather, dried herbs and black olive while maintaining its plush fruit core.

Excellent with slow cooked lamb, grilled sausages, tomato based pasta, pizza with spicy salami, roasted vegetables, mushroom ragù, pecorino, braised beef or chargrilled eggplant. It is also a brilliant choice for casual gatherings thanks to its generous, easy drinking personality.