2019 Poggio Anima Nero D’Avola

Producer: Poggio Anima

Grape: Nero D’Avola 100%

Pronunciation: ‘Ne-ro Dah-Avola’

Region: Sicily, Italy

Zone: DOC of Sicily

Producer Info:

Poggio Anima is a joint venture between Montalcino superstar Riccardo Campinoti of Le Ragnaie and his importer Vine Street Imports. The idea is pretty simple: to source the best vineyards from existing relationships and produce a real wine that conveys a place and a grape. These wines are not bulk wines, nor leftover juice from a winery, but long term contracts that we have signed with reputable growers.

Poggio Anima translates to ‘Hill of Soul.’ Going back to the concept of Poggio Anima we wanted to capture the ‘soul’ of each vineyard and grape. No manipulation, no water, sugar, etc. Just the pure expression of the fruit and site. I would argue that many wines have a ‘soul,’ but very few weeknight wines share this. Poggio Anima has come along to change this.

Of all of the varietals of Italy, Nero d’Avola is as lustful and pleasurable as it gets. Rich, peppery and opulent. It has many of the same characteristics of Syrah and is the most important grape of Sicily.

Tasting note:

Dark ruby-red. Blackberry and dark plum on the nose, with complimenting notes of anise and fresh herbs. Bright and juicy on entry, then firmer in the middle, offering dark cherry and plum flavours and a hint of cola. A musky herbal note comes up with air on the long finish, with the cola note recurring.

Growing System: Guyot

Soil Composition: Volcanic Sand and Clay

Production: After de-stemming and maceration of the skins for about 8 days at a temperature of 75-78°C, the grapes are subject to soft press and then vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends about 1 month in used French and American oak barrels which gives a little more structure.

Alcohol (%) 13%