29 May 2023
Welcome, wine enthusiasts, to another exciting edition of Wine Times! This week, we embark on a delightful journey into the world of Sicilian wines, exploring the captivating Roceno Nero d’Avola 2022 (£10.50 at Fleetville Larder, Hatfield Road, St Albans) produced by the renowned winemaker, Sibiliana. As we venture into this tasting experience, we’ll be pairing this exceptional wine with the delectable Cashel Blue cheese, served on fig and spelt sourdough crackers by Peter’s Yard (selected by Ed, owner of the larder).
Nero d’Avola, the dominant black grape in Sicilian wines, offers a fruit-forward and approachable style, making it a true value-for-money choice for wine enthusiasts. The Roceno Nero d’Avola 2022 embodies this style, providing an enticing and affordable choice for both seasoned connoisseurs and those new to the world of wine.
Sibiliana Winery, nestled in the heart of Sicily, has earned a well-deserved reputation for their commitment to crafting exceptional wines that truly reflect the essence of their terroir.
With a harmonious blend of traditional winemaking techniques and modern expertise, Sibiliana consistently delivers wines that captivate the senses.
Sibiliana, produced by Cantine Europa SCA in the territory of Petrosino, in the westernmost part of Sicily, is the embodiment of over 60 years of grape transformation by their 2,000 contributing members.
With 6,000 hectares of vineyards, each bottle of Sibiliana wine showcases the essence of the territory in which it resides.
The brand’s name pays homage to the symbolic building of the Sibiliana Tower, located in Petrosino and along the coast between Marsala and Mazara del Vallo.
Once equipped with a lantern, the tower guided fishing boats to the coast. Today, the Sibiliana lantern continues to shine its light, illuminating and exploring the best that the territory has to offer from a wine perspective.
Now, let’s dive into the tasting experience. The Roceno Nero d’Avola 2022 pours into the glass with a vibrant ruby hue, enticing us with its alluring aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. Upon the first sip, the wine reveals juicy blackberry and cherry notes with subtle hints of black pepper and an earthy undertone adding depth to the palate. The wine’s medium body and velvety texture further enhance the overall experience, leaving a lasting impression.
To truly elevate your Roceno experience, consider pairing it with Fleetville Larder’s Cashel Blue cheese. This young, characterful cheese evolves over time, delighting taste buds with its pleasant, creamy texture and an established blue character. From its early stages at six to 10 weeks of age to its fully matured state at six months, Cashel Blue offers a unique tasting experience, gradually transforming into a richer, creamier, and more balanced cheese without overpowering strength. Let us embark on a journey through the stages of maturation and discover the ever-evolving flavours of this remarkable cheese.
The blue veins contribute to its distinctive character, while a tangy note adds a mouth-watering element to the overall experience. As Cashel Blue cheese matures beyond the three-month mark, its flavours gradually deepen, resulting in a richer, fuller, and rounder taste. The integration of saltiness, blueness, and gentle milky elements creates a harmonious balance, elevating the cheese to a new level of complexity.
For those who are not cheese lovers, fear not! The Roceno Nero d’Avola’s inherent acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent companion for a range of culinary delights.
Mrs M chose to expand the pairing by adding a board of charcuterie, olives, and some delightful glass bread.
Alternatively consider savouring it alongside a slow-cooked ragù alla Bolognese, allowing the wine’s acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary-infused roasted potatoes or a hearty mushroom risotto would also accentuate the wine’s complex flavours.
Sibiliana Winery’s Roceno Nero d’Avola is a true Sicilian gem that showcases the charm and character of the Nero d’Avola. So, grab a bottle, pour yourself a glass, and allow the Roceno to transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily with each sip. Salute!
Contact me via mccabetwe@gmail.com or @mccabe_thewineenthusiast
