We were away in Crete recently, so this entry is a catch-up as try though I did none of the local wines on that island satisfied my selection criteria. So I took a trip back to Majestic in Berkhamsted and found it has been a time of much change since my short term there before Christmas. New jobs for several of the team is great news for them, but fewer old friends for me to visit. So striking whilst the iron remained warm and in preparation for Easter and any other excuse I could muster I bought:
As some friends invited us round for a game of Bridge, this bottle didn't get anywhere near Easter. It was consumed on a weekday evening alongside some cheese, none of which was rubbery, and the game which was.
All three elements were enjoyable, especially the narrow 2:1 victory for the away team, and much fun was had by all.
One unexpected opportunity arose in the second half of the evening, which was to compare this Riserva version of Nero Oro with its stable mate 'Nero Oro Appassimento' that had by chance been selected by the home team should a second bottle be called upon.
Both wines were very quaffable. The appassimento is 100% Nero d'Avola but the Riserva has some Syrah blended in. The Riserva doesn't state that it has been made using the appassimento method - drying the grapes prior to fermentation to concentrate the flavours - but I suspect it had been as it was notably smoother and richer than its sister. It was also a couple of pounds more expensive which I feel is justified.
The flavour profiles were broadly similar, with the appassimento being a little thinner and more prominently acidic, where blackcurrant is supported by cherry in the appassimento and by raisins, dark plums and figs in the Riserva. Both we pleasant although there seemed to be more oak influence in the Riserva, from its 18 months spent in barrel, and a touch more warmth both of which gave it the edge.
Produced in Sicily by Stefano Chioccioli and suitable for both vegetarians and vegans (like they need special treatment when it comes to wine) I would buy this again.
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