Feudo Montoni's Nero d'Avola | Luke's Monthly Pick

This months pick is Feudo Montoni's Nero d'Avola 2019, Sicily, Italy

Luke's Breakdown

Rarely does a Nero d’Avola embody such depth, complexity, and refinement while maintaining a rounded, silky profile. For this reason, it is always a pleasure to open one of Feudo Montoni’s masterful expressions of the grape.

The wine opens with an intense, concentrated bouquet, rich in baking spices, cinnamon, and mulled berry aromas. On the palate, these impressions are echoed in a smooth, velvety texture that carries through to a poised and elegant balance of body, acidity, alcohol, and structure. A gentle sweetness on the finish lingers gracefully, extending the wine’s persistence.

Layered notes of stewed plums, damson, and mulled berries are beautifully interwoven with subtle hints of white pepper, cinnamon, tobacco, and cedar, adding further nuance to the fruit-driven character. Its complexity is heightened by decanting or a gentle swirl at room temperature. This is a versatile companion to game, rich tomato-based dishes, or a robust cheese board.

The wine, produced with 100% Nero d'Avola, does carry the aromas you would traditionally associate with the grape, however, with the movement / trend for juicy, fresh red wines; this expression is a welcomed change and brings out the more complexed, gastronomic characteristics of the grape. A rare find and stunning addition to our portfolio.

The Feudo Montoni Estate

Feudo Montoni rises 750 meters above sea level, nestled in the very heart of Sicily at Contrada Montoni Vecchi. It lies on the eastern slopes of Cammarata, a historic mountain village in the province of Agrigento. This unique location is set within a landscape where geography and climate play a defining role in viticulture.

Southern and southeastern Sicily, positioned at a latitude even lower than the northernmost tip of Africa, is distinguished by a distinctly hot, sun-drenched climate. Powerful winds, sweeping in from the African desert, further shape the environment, bringing both intensity and character to the land.

Montoni’s vineyards are planted along a rugged mountain slope, with all the rows oriented toward the east. This positioning allows the vines to capture the softer morning light while being shielded from the harshest afternoon heat, creating ideal conditions for producing wines of balance and elegance.

Cheers to you making beautiful lasting memories with the ones you love the most 🥂.