2017 | Gulfi Nero d'Avola "NeroSanlorè" | Sicilia | Italy

A single-contrada Nero d'Avola from the estate that proved Sicily's native grape could be great — in magnum.

Gulfi, founded by Vito Catania with viticulturist Salvo Foti, was the first winery in Sicily to bottle single-contrada Nero d'Avola — four "Grand Cru" plots around Pachino, farmed organically on old alberello bush vines. "NeroSanlorè" comes from the San Lorenzo cru, the site closest to the sea on red, sandy limestone, from 40–45-year-old vines aged long in large Slavonian oak. Vinous calls it the most elegant of the four. Here in magnum.

Single-vineyard Sicilian Nero d'Avola from the category's pioneer, in magnum, is a collector's pour. The most elegant of Gulfi's crus → benchmark single-contrada Nero d'Avola → at $192.99 the magnum you're buying Sicily's native grape at its peak.

• 100% Nero d'Avola
• Sicilia — San Lorenzo cru, Pachino (Val di Noto)
• Gulfi — Vito Catania; organic, old alberello vines
• 1.5L magnum; aged in large Slavonian oak

Ripe sour cherry, cassis, mulberry and dried flowers over balsamic depth, black pepper and a brackish, saline imprint; full-bodied with fine, plush tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish. Translation: dense, savory, sea-kissed Nero d'Avola — dark fruit and Mediterranean herbs with real elegance and grip.

A single-cru Sicilian icon in magnum, from the estate that defined the grape. Exactly the bottle for a feast or a cellar.