Alessandro Viola, Note di Rosso 2018

A foxy and lightly smoky Sicilian red, from 80% Nero d'Avola and 20% Syrah. Alessandro Viola is located just outside of Palermo, where he tends to a small holding of vines on sandy/volcanic soils. There is always a vibrance to his wines that is often hidden in the youth of his Etna counterparts: the tannins here are rustic but gentle, allowing more appreciation of the anise spice, dark cherries and bacon gristle in the wine.