Nero d'Avola

The Nero d'Avola grapes for the very rare Sultana come from a steeply sloping, bush-shaped vineyard facing north-west. The soil here is white with a limestone matrix, rich in minerals and drainage capacity. The pronounced slope and very poor soil reinforce the pedoclimatic characteristics in which the Nero d'Avola plants find a natural habitat. It is an extreme terroir, a combination of environmental and human factors, that distinguishes the Sultana vineyard from other vineyards. The light reflected by the white soils enhances the characteristics and ultimately the quality of the grapes from the vineyard. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Intense aromas of cherries, raspberries and blackcurrants on the nose, accompanied by herbal flavours, cocoa and dark chocolate. Great juiciness and flow on the palate, good balance between freshness and tannins, ending with cherry fruit in the finish." Falstaff

"Deep purple in colour and significantly darker than the Vigna Guarnaschelli of the same vintage. Concentrated nose of sour cherry and raspberry with chalky notes. Juicy, lively, almost tart cherry and raspberry fruit, with a dose of grippy tannins on the finish, suggesting that this wine needs more age. Much less full-bodied than its 15% would suggest. It is currently more approachable than the Vigna Guarnaschelli." Jancis Robinson

"The Vigna Sultana 2021 is smoky in the glass, with a burst of grilled herbs, ash stones and spices giving way to black raspberry and sour citrus fruit. It's soft, supple and soothingly round with tart wild berries and savoury minerals for balance. A core of lively acidity keeps things tidy. The 2021 has a long finish and retains a lovely freshness. It leaves grippy tannins and a savoury feel under a hint of sweet violets and lavender on the finish." Vinous

"Spectacular aromas of hibiscus, lemon blossom, raspberry and red liquorice. Lots of crushed red berries. Medium body with fine, flattering tannins. Bright acidity on the finish. A triumph." James Suckling

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits cascade across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

Strong, bright ruby red. This one hundred percent Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its rich, fruity-spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, warm taste of ripe berry fruit, the fine spiciness and the noble tannin inspire us very much. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose fragrance of rose hips, cranberries and blood oranges, paired with liquorice and cocoa. Fresh on the palate, with pithy, well-integrated tannin, slightly salty in the long finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of red and black cherry, baked strawberry and charred rosemary. Medium–to full–bodied with silky tannins. Slightly tangy acidity plays well with the nicely ripened red and black fruit. There’s richness to the palate here, but it remains focused and not overdone. Lovely salinity mixes with notes of ash and dried orange peel. Layered." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour. Intense aroma of raspberry, red cherry, violets and spices. Sweet, spicy and yet light-footed, it convinces with a great inner energy that gives the red fruits, herbs and mineral flavours an impressive expression. In the never-ending finish, Nerobaronj is vibrant and with striking tannins, which lend additional emphasis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoke, balsamic blackberries and baked black cherries on the nose. Rich and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with supportive, fine tannins and a lengthy, coated finish. Really fine-grained." James Suckling

"Depths of black cherry, plum sauce, sage and clove are grounded by animal musk as the 2019 NeroBaronj smolders up from the glass. It flows across the palate like pure silk, refined and seamless in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and exotic citrus tones that add contrast toward the close. The 2019 finishes long yet closes in upon itself with youthful poise, allowing fine tannins to resonate. Sour cherry notes stick around for a bit. This is elegance personified." Vinous

The single vineyard Guarnaschelli is a 60-year-old vineyard with a slight westerly exposure. A loamy matrix of brown skeletal soils can be found here. This generous soil, characterised by limestone, gives the wines finesse and minerality. Here, the plants produce grapes of consistently high quality every year - the result of deep roots and restrained, intelligent vineyard work. The strong exposure to the sun is tempered by constant winds blowing from all directions. This sets in motion a play of temperature fluctuations from which the old vines benefit to produce complex and aromatic grapes.

"Bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrants on the nose, harmoniously accompanied by maquis and some leather. Great fruit core on the palate, harmonious freshness and gripping tannins, final with dark fruit on the final." Falstaff

"Deep, impenetrable purple colour. Impressive depth of lifted cherry and damson fruit, with a complex note of spicy oak and hints of eucalyptus and white pepper. The palate is juicy, lush, sour cherry and damson, with a hint of grainy tannins and surprisingly high acidity on the finish. The 15% alcohol is well integrated. A few more years in the bottle wouldn't go amiss, as this wine has both the richness and the tannic structure." Jancis Robinson

"Earthy and intense, the 2021 Vigna Guarnaschelli develops slowly in the glass with a dark mix of crushed blackberries, exotic spices, lavender and rosemary. The texture is deeply creamy yet tangy, with cooling acidity and polished red and black fruits that slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2021 leaves behind a layer of fine-grained tannins and salty minerals, finishing with dramatic length, power and structure. This tangy Nero d'Avola is ready for the cellar. Wow." Vinous

"Aromas of terracotta, dried earth, stone and black berries. Medium to full body. Strong but fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. The fruit remains flowing but always in check. A wine for the cellar. A new benchmark for Nero d'Avola. The magic of a single vineyard." James Suckling

Neromaccarj comes from a low-lying vineyard facing the sea and shows the ripe and juicy side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens with a deep dark appearance and flavours that are dense and broad, forming a high wall of black plum fruit. The wine is very immediate and impressive, and you don't have to look far to recognise all these wide-ranging aromas on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with multi-layered fruit and fine tannins. 6,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried plums, mussels, dark cherries, figs and warm cinnamon spices on the nose. Quite flavorful and juicy on the palate with tight yet silky tannins that grow on the palate. Quite ripe but refined, with a long, intense finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 NeroMaccarj tempts the imagination as dark depths of black cherry and brown spice evolve into an array of minty herbs, clove and crushed raspberries. This is soft and supple on the palate, with tart red berries and exotic spice motivated by brisk acidity. It tapers off with a bitter tinge of wild berry concentration and only lightly structured, ending with blood orange and rosy dark chocolate. The 2019 is very pretty today, yet holding its power in reserve." Vinous

Nerobufaleffj is a very unusual wine for Sicily. It offers an aromatic intensity that cannot be found anywhere else in southern Italy. The bouquet is explosive with strong cherries, dried blackberries, tobacco and spices. Subtle hints of cinnamon and crushed clove. An exotic red of high concentration and power with a wonderfully complex, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very ripe blackberries, baking spices, walnuts and some figs on the nose. Very flavourful and spicy on the palate with fine, silky tannins and a juicy, long finish. Beautiful dried fruit with some walnuts on the finish." James Suckling

"Dark and earthy in the glass, the 2019 NeroBufaleffj opens with a burst of crushed ash stones and earth tones before giving way to dusty blackcurrants and blood oranges. It's very structured, with silky waves of ripe red and black fruit running throughout the wine. The vibrant acidity creates a sense of boundless energy. The 2019 finishes remarkably fresh, yet colourful and long, with edgy tannins that linger as notes of spiced citrus fade. The NeroBufaleffj is already great today, but it is made for the cellar." Vinous

Of the four Gulfi-Cru, this is the vineyard closest to the sea, less than 700 metres away and only 10-15 metres above sea level. With vines that grow on sandy soils.

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving the flavours of red cherries, raspberries, flowers and minerals beautiful definition and lift. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, multi-layered wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and tangy with some baked cherries, cassis, mulberries, dried flowers and peppercorns. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate with fine, plush tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"A blend of crushed plums, rose petals, lavender and Violette pastille creates a deeply seductive bouquet as the 2019 NeroSanloré blossoms in the glass. This is a model of grace and elegance with silky textures, vividly ripe red and blue fruits elevated by sour citrus and a core of stimulating acidity. It finishes long and staining, with sweet tannins that frame the experience beautifully as tangerine and blackberry fade. The 2019 NeroSanloré is to die for; what a gorgeous Nero d'Avola." Vinous

The noble version of Nero d'Avola in an impenetrably dense ruby red colour. The aroma is enveloping with sweet and ripe, yet not "cooked" fruity notes, balsamic and floral nuances of violets, which final with hints of tobacco in the final. The flavour has a great structure and pronounced individuality. The balance of the soft tannins, which are perfectly integrated into the alcoholic component, and the long finish are also convincing. Radiant and powerful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, dark ruby red with violet reflections. Ripe and dense nose of dark cherries, blueberries and dried plums, spicy paired with liquorice, black pepper and some cocoa. On the palate with a great fruit core, great freshness and juiciness as well as well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Polished and refined nose with notes of black cherries and vanilla, beautiful tannic structure with a long and evolving finish." Decanter

"A round and balanced red wine with fine, polished tannins that are surrounded by notes of black cherries, plum jam, herbal olives and paprika. Long and fresh, with a hint of loamy earth and mocha on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Mille e Una Notte opens with a basket of berries and spices complemented by cedar shavings and minty herbs. It is silky yet sincere, with tart wild berries and liquorice underscored by salty minerals, while a balsamic resonance builds towards the finish. The 2020 finishes structured and long. Fine tannins saturate the senses, while savoury herbs and a hint of tart blackberry finish." Vinous

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits cascade across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

Feudo Maccari's two new Nero d'Avola vineyard sites are the result of an endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Nero d'Avola. This 6-bottle gift box contains 3 bottles of each of the two single-vineyard wines.

3 bottles of 0.75l | "Guarnaschelli" Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2021 (BIO)

The single vineyard Guarnaschelli is a 60-year-old vineyard with a slight westerly exposure. A loamy matrix of brown skeletal soils can be found here. This generous soil, characterised by limestone, gives the wines finesse and minerality. Here, the plants produce grapes of consistently high quality every year - the result of deep roots and restrained, intelligent vineyard work. The strong exposure to the sun is tempered by constant winds blowing from all directions. This sets in motion a play of temperature fluctuations from which the old vines benefit to produce complex and aromatic grapes.

"Deep, impenetrable purple colour. Impressive depth of lifted cherry and damson fruit, with a complex note of spicy oak and hints of eucalyptus and white pepper. The palate is juicy, lush, sour cherry and damson, with a hint of grainy tannins and surprisingly high acidity on the finish. The 15% alcohol is well integrated. A few more years in the bottle wouldn't go amiss, as this wine has both the richness and the tannic structure." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of terracotta, dried earth, stone and black berries. Medium to full body. Strong but fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. The fruit remains flowing but always in check. A wine for the cellar. A new benchmark for Nero d'Avola. The magic of a single vineyard." James Suckling

Jancis Robinson: 17++ points
Vinous: 93+ points
James Suckling: 97 points

3 bottles of 0.75l | "Sultana" Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC 2021 (BIO)

The Nero d'Avola grapes for the very rare Sultana come from a steeply sloping, bush-shaped vineyard facing north-west. The soil here is white with a limestone matrix, rich in minerals and drainage capacity. The pronounced slope and very poor soil reinforce the pedoclimatic characteristics in which the Nero d'Avola plants find a natural habitat. It is an extreme terroir, a combination of environmental and human factors, that distinguishes the Sultana vineyard from other vineyards. The light reflected by the white soils enhances the characteristics and ultimately the quality of the grapes from the vineyard. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep purple in colour and significantly darker than the Vigna Guarnaschelli of the same vintage. Concentrated nose of sour cherry and raspberry with chalky notes. Juicy, lively, almost tart cherry and raspberry fruit, with a dose of grippy tannins on the finish, suggesting that this wine needs more age. Much less full-bodied than its 15% would suggest. It is currently more approachable than the Vigna Guarnaschelli." Jancis Robinson

"Spectacular aromas of hibiscus, lemon blossom, raspberry and red liquorice. Lots of crushed red berries. Medium body with fine, flattering tannins. Bright acidity on the finish. A triumph." James Suckling

Jancis Robinson: 17 points
Vinous: 92+ points
James Suckling: 96 points