Wines

From the importer: ‘Argille di Tagghia Via’ 100% Nero d’Avola, and takes its name from the church of the Madonna di Tagliavia, a few hundred yards away. The vineyard is planted between Corleone and San Giuseppe Jato.  Soil is impermeable alkaline clay with some sand, poor in organic matter and limestone. Fairly dark violet-tinged red in the glass.

A berryish, spicy aroma (hint of black pepper); lead pencil; somewhat reminiscent of Syrah. Very concentrated palate and fresh acidity. Finish honestly tastes like blackberry, with a faint hint of coconut, a common Nero d’Avola note. A much better, fresher wine than most Nero d’Avola but still forward and drinkable. Try it with red meats, flavorful pasta dishes.

The pinnacle of Greco; a riveting white that brings together savory mint and heady citrus in a plush and endlessly pleasing package. Here above the clouds, at 2,100 feet in altitude, winemaker Raffaele Troisi tends older vines for a Campanian white of serious potential.

92 Points! The 2021 Greco di Tufo Le Arcaie reveals a medium light golden color and a mildly creamy or slightly concentrated mouthfeel. Some 20% of the wine is briefly aged in oak. That extra heft and richness gives support to apricot, honey and preserved lemon. If you dig a little deeper, you might pick up subtle hints of saffron and salted almond. This pretty white offers a long citrusy finish. Fruit comes from a high-elevation vineyard at a cool 700 meters above sea level. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com