The Romano's vineyards are located a few kilometers from the town of Caltanissetta. The region, located in Sicily's western interior, is steeped in ancient history with origins that can be traced back to 406 B.C. Hamilcar commanded the Carthaginian land forces in Sicily during the later stages of the First Punic War and Admiral Nicia of Hamilcar's forces established a fort in what is now Caltanissetta. Over the centures the region has endured many wars, sieges, devastating earthquakes and heavy fighting during the Second World War.

In 1998 the Romano family oversaw the planting of their Nero D'Avola vines which they bottled for the first time in ’02. These Nero vines produce 2 kilos of grapes per plant in bone-dry calcareous soil. The vines are harvested during the second 10 days of September and the wine undergoes a long open top fermentation with constant skin contact in small, stainless steel vats. The wine also undergoes a complete Malolactic fermentation, then matures in stainless steel and rests in bottle for 3 months before it is released.

Dark ruby red marked with purple highlights in the glass. Scents of cherry and volcanic ash on the nose. The palate is gracefully contoured, with ample flavors of ripe plum, cherry juice and cedar infused spice box. A well-balanced and youthfully full-bodied rustic Sicilian stunner; pair this with mature cheeses, aged meats, hearty pasta dishes, grilled mushrooms and char-grilled burgers.

—Donald