Argentina and Chile are leading the value league but don’t write off Italy. Never write off Italy. Anyone with an eye for bargain wine is already familiar with the Abruzzi province but other parts of Southern Italy are soon to become every bit as popular. Sicily for sure.
The newly arrived pair or Sicilian reds trading under the name Cusumano are crafted to please with an easy drinking style and budget price. The Nero d’Avola is smooth, soft and cuddly. Dying to please. Party sipper or burger washdown. The Syrah has more vigour, lots of heft. Manly. Instant warmth and comfort. Needs hearty food. While both wines offer lots of drinking pleasure ““ I felt that a combination of the smoothness (Nero d’Avola) with the heft (Syrah) would deliver a~ more interesting experience. Shades of a Rhone red.~ Nourishing, spicy, lively and satisfying.
So here’s the deal ““ buy both wines, pour them into a large container, and refill the bottles with the blend. An illegal practice for sure but worth the risk. **Please send photos of you blending!
CUSUMANO 08 Nero d’Avola, Sicily 143164 $9.95
CUSUMANO 08 Syrah, Sicily 145490 $9.95
Yeah, we had the Syrah last week and the fennel/anise definitely makes it a wine for food. Will look for the Nero now.
Cheers!
We had the Nero D’Avola this weekend – I may make it our new house wine (at our house). Couldn’t find the Syrah to blend in a photo but I did swish the Nero around in my mouth quite a bit
Yep. Stumbled across this Syrah at a small Orleans LCBO, and liked the label. Sorry – that’s sometimes how I buy my wine. Anyway, it turned out to be fantastic as an accompanyment to braised lamb shanks with fennel and white beans (Canadian Living Slow Cooker recipe – give it a try). Good call.