Zabu Chiantari Nero d'Avola / Merlot Sicilia

The grapes for the Zabù Chiantari Nero d'Avola/Merlot grow on the island of Sicily in the hills near Lago Arancio. These hills are located in the southeastern part of the island, near Sambuca di Sicilia, where the relatively young Vigneti Zabù winery has its cellars. The vines for this wine thrive in clay soil that retains water very well, allowing the vines to withstand the hot summers. This wine is made from 70% of the typical, indigenous Nero d'Avola grape variety and 30% of the international Merlot variety. After a gentle harvest, the destemmed grapes are macerated for 10-12 days under temperature control, and the must is then fermented in French and American oak barriques. After fermentation, the wine ages for eight months in barriques before bottling and then rests for another six months in the bottle before release. The nose offers a medley of red berries, wild berries, and spicy aromas. Notes of black cherries, elderberries, and blackberries mingle with licorice, dark chocolate, and subtle toasty notes. On the palate, the wine is powerful and robust. Firm but not overly intense tannins and a pleasant acidity emerge. The fruity aromas of dark berries and cherries unfold.