Usuela Nero d'Avola 2022

The idyllic landscape of Sambuca, 80 km southwest of Palermo in Sicily, is preserved thanks to the use of renewable energies. This philosophy is anchored in their logo with the two wind turbines. The vines extend along Lake Arancio on slopes between 300 and 600 meters above sea level and facing southeast. They therefore enjoy an optimal microclimate all year round, with very mild temperatures, and are well protected from extreme heat and drought. Nero d'avola is the prince of Sicilian grape varieties and produces red wines with a very distinct character. This cuvée without aging in barrels nevertheless expresses notes of spices such as licorice and clove but above all intensely fruity notes of plum , cherry , blackberry and blackcurrant . Soft tannins and beautiful acidity give the wine balance and freshness.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others... But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion. Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!