This time of year, I'm looking for a rich, full-bodied red at a good price, and this Nero d'Avola from Gulfi in Sicily fills the bill. The grape is one prized in Sicily, especially in the province of Ragusa (which is home, incidentally, to the irrepressible Inspector Salvo Montalbano of writer Andrea Camilleri's detective series).
The name Neroibleo refers to nero, or black, grapes grown on the slopes of Mt. Iblea. Though the Gulfi estate in Chiaramonte Gulfi makes several wines from Nero d'Avola, the Neroibleo is the best value of the bunch.
It's big without being overpowering, lush and redolent of dark berries and wild herbs. It has just the weight to go with brisket, bollito misto (mixed boiled meats), roasts and stews.
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Region: Sicily, Italy
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Price: From $14 to $19
Style: Rich and full-bodied
What it goes with: Brisket, roasts and stews
Where to find it: Available at fine wine shop and retailers
