Di Giovanna - Helios Rosso IGP Terre Siciliane 2016

Di Giovanna - Helios Rosso IGP Terre Siciliane 2016 (88 TSW)

Helios comes from a historic family parcel in the Contessa Entellina zone (Sicily – about 50 kilometers south of Palermo), from vines over 30 years old. The standard Contessa Entellina Rosso and Rosato wines must feature 50 percent or more of Nero d'Avola, Sicily's flagship red grape, and/or Syrah. Any other red grapes may account for the balance.

This red is a blend of 70% Nero d’Avola and 30% Syrah. The Di Giovanna family represents typicality of territory and a seal of guarantee in western Sicily’s Terre Sicane.

The grapes are hand-picked, then stalked and pressed lightly. Alcoholic fermentation takes place on its own natural yeasts in oak barrels with occasional manual stirring of the wine. Long soaking (around 20 days) and further maturing (half new and half used) French oak for 9 months.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a dark and deep ruby red color.
On the medium+ nose aromas of dark cherries, cranberries and blackberries with smoky hints of spices, vanilla, dried flowers and some tobacco.
On the palate medium++ bodied, soft, warm and round with nice acidity and medium tannins. The wine is fresh and nicely balanced and the finisj shows a bit alcohol and cherry notes. I think this will get better in the coming years.

Delicious with game and roast meat dishes or with a nice pasta. Really a dinner wine.

The Di Giovanna family has been managing organic (organic) vineyards in western Sicily for five generations, just outside the town of Sambuca di Sicilia. The Klaus & Gunther brothers manage the 56-hectare family vineyard and the winery where the wines are made and bottled by hand. Wines are produced here exclusively from their own vines. All vineyards are certified organic by Suolo e Salute SRL.