Tenuta Fenice Riserva 2023

Silky cherry and smoky tobacco maturity in this silky, barrel-aged, Sicilian Nero d'Avola Riserva
Silky cherry and smoky tobacco hints in this fine Sicilian Riserva. It’s made from Nero d’Avola with a dash of juicy Cabernet from high old vineyards, lovingly restored following a devastating earthquake. Mature red fruit with long, spicy length.

Nero d’Avola is one of the hero grapes of Sicily. Much of it was grown around the island’s high village of Poggioreale. One prime vineyard belonged to Dino Taschetta’s grandfather. Here he grew fruit with deep, rich flavours that greatly impressed the young Dino.

Disaster struck, however, in 1968 when an earthquake hit the area. The vines were abandoned, but today Dino is restoring the vineyard to its former glory. He uses these Nero d’Avola grapes to make his much loved Tenuta Fenice wines, adding to this fine Riserva a portion of juicy Cabernet Sauvignon and ageing it all in barrel.

Now with three years’ maturity, Tenuta Fenice Riserva has gathered complex, savoury, smoky tobacco and spice notes to flatter the dark cherry flavours. A superb, rich red wine to serve with roast lamb.