Feudo Arancio Riserva 2018

This producer’s top red comes from a couple of varying vineyards (their estate vineyards at Ragusa and Agrigento), with the aim to provide contrast and complexity. Made from Nero d’Avola, 70% spends eight to ten months in French oak, with the remaining 30% aged in stainless steel, to help emphasise the fruit. Fermentation was for 10 to 12 days. After blending, the wine spends a short period in stainless steel and is then aged for another year in bottle before release. The wine is deep red/garnet in colour. The nose is immediately expressive with notes of cherries, warm earth, tobacco leaves, leather and hints of chocolate and plums. There is good complexity here with a supple, balanced palate and a line of good acidity running the length. The tannins are especially fine but there is certainly plenty of them. Nice balance throughout, this is impressive stuff and will drink well over the next decade.