Assuli Baglio "Lorlando" Nero d'Avola Bio Sicilia DOC 2021

Dusky blackberry, plum and perfumed purple florals plus umami notes of soy sauce, seaweed and black sesame are threaded with scrubby wild herbs and tightened with a thorny greenness. Tannins are lightly furry and sticky via the Mediterranean sunshine, though this medium-bodied wine is easily buoyed with a marine freshness through the stony finish.

From northwestern Sicily's Mazara del Vallo in the Trapani countryside, this organic, biodynamic Nero d'Avola grows on stony soils around 100-150m. After a month of maceration and fermentation in stainless steel, the wine remained in tank to rest for three months, followed by three more months in bottle prior to release.

Assuli, which means “under the sun” in the local dialect, combines tradition and innovation in a wonderful western Sicilian location. Their 120 hectares of vineyards benefit from conditions perfectly suited to growing indigenous varieties, including Nero d’Avola, Zibibbo, Insolia, Lucido, Grillo, Perricone and Syrah. Their characterful wines are 100% organic and authentically reflect the terroir of the region.