Australia's Best Nero d'Avola

2020 Ricca Terra Nero d'Avola

This was rated highly by five tasters, with it just missing out on top spot from three panellists, while Dyer declared it his wine of the day. “Another very vibrant style is unleashed here,” he wrote. “Squeaky cherry fruits dominate… After a minute the nose starts to open up, yielding some choc and cola interest. Its exotic perfume really goes to your head. A herbal, pure style that has lots of zip and cut on the palate.” “Savoury nose, slight salty note, cherry and earthy aromas too,” noted Chalmers. “Bright palate backing up the same notes… powdery mouth-watering fine tannin, almost chalky. Very front palate focused, mid-weight but good density… in balance with high acidity.” Mosele called it, “Vibrant, clean and expressive, with lovely savoury and saline characters – a very interesting drink.” Cardelli also had it towards the top of her list. “A concentrated example of red cherries and strawberries… rose petals, touch of minerality, some exotic spices,” she wrote. “The palate also is a powerhouse of red fruits and flowers, complemented by refreshing acidity balanced with alcohol and dusty tannic structure. There is a bright, juicy and fruity/spicy feeling here.” “The fruit throughout this wine is vibrantly purple, almost neon in character,” noted Szyman, “think cherries, blackberries and mulberries about to burst with juice. The tannins were lovely and powdery, with some bracing acidity and a nice ripeness to the fruit on the palate. A really drinkable style, could possibly be served a little chilled on those hotter days.”

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