Near the western tip of Sicily, the vineyards of Erice rise steeply above the ancient city of Trapani. Mandoleto is inspired by the groves of Almond trees (Mandorlo) that flower in spring, providing a dash of beauty to this dramatic landscape.

On the lower slopes, the region’s warm Mediterranean climate is moderated by cooling sea breezes to provide an ideal location for Sicily’s finest red wine – Nero d’Avola. A ripe and expressive wine balanced by savoury complexity, Mandoleto Nero d’Avola is the ideal companion for richly flavoured cuisine.

Medium blood red in colour. The nose is expressive and complex with aromas of blueberries, exotic spice and mountain herbs. Acore of ripe, supple dark berry, cherry and liquorice flavours is matched by bright acidity ensuring a refreshing, balanced finish. The ripe flavours and bright acidity make this wine a wonderful match to rich pasta and red meat dishes.

Black jellybeans stuffed in leather pants, dark cherry, iron filings, damp earth, sweet dried herbs. Medium bodied, clean acidity, cherry and blackcurrant, light but grainy chalky tannin and pretty decent length. A little gamey, perhaps, but such a good drinking wine.
Recommended unconditionally. Drink now. 90 points Winefront.com.au

For this bargain Nero d’Avola he took his wing-man Corey Ryan (ex-McWilliam’s) to do the final blend and advise on bottling with winemaker Giacoma Fazio. It’s all dried herbs, leather and black fruits with a granitic mineral edge, the palate is a lively mix of berries and savoury tannins with lively acidity. Not surprisingly it’s easy to drink with a spicy imprint on the finish. Another impressive import with bags of bright personality that begs for food. WiningPom