Precious Little Barossa Valley Marananga Nero d’Avola 2021

Nero d’Avola may be little more than a curiosity to most Aussie winelovers, but the levels of quality that this Sicilian wonder can achieve suggest that it won’t be long before it enjoys a much wider audience here, deservedly so. The highly regarded subregion of Marananga, in the Barossa Valley, may be a fair way from the vineyards of Sicily but it is proving to be a most welcoming home to this grape. The wine underwent a largely natural ferment and then spent time maturing in old French oak. Magenta/purple in colour, this is a delightful combination of the spicy and the savoury. There is good concentration throughout, with notes of florals, raspberries, mulberries and cold tea before a juicy grip with a long, soft, lingering finish. Delicious now, the palate reveals waves of chocolate and coffee grind notes. A wine full of flavour, but one which should drink well for at least another three to four years, likely longer. Love it.