2023 Feudo Arancio Quèto Nero d'Avola IGT, Sicily

Feudo Arancio has built its reputation around Sicily’s native grapes, with vineyards in the warm south west of the island where sunshine is abundant but coastal breezes help temper the heat. Nero d’Avola is very much at home here, and Quèto takes a polished, modern approach to the variety while retaining the ripe fruit and savoury Mediterranean character that make it so appealing.

The 2023 season produced generous fruit, and Nero d’Avola responds beautifully with its naturally deep colour and dark cherry character. Warm Sicilian days build richness, while cooler evening influences help maintain freshness. Quèto sits comfortably between easy drinking and something more substantial, with ripe fruit, soft tannins and enough savoury detail to keep things interesting.

Deep ruby crimson, opening with black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry, followed by violet and a touch of blueberry. Liquorice, fennel seed, dried oregano and cracked pepper develop underneath, with a faint cocoa note as it opens. The palate is juicy and rounded, with plush dark fruit framed by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Cherry and plum linger with liquorice, herbs and a gently earthy finish.

Pasta alla Norma is almost impossible to argue with here, although grilled lamb skewers, eggplant parmigiana, spicy pork sausages or a mushroom and smoked mozzarella pizza would all work beautifully. Our pick is the Pasta alla Norma, with plenty of fried eggplant, tomato, basil and salty ricotta.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.