Sicilian Wine Review: 2022 Corvo Irmana Nero d’Avola and 2017 Florio Marsala

An odd little combination for you today: Two wines from Sicily, one table wine and a vintage bottle of Marsala.

2022 Corvo Irmana Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC – A surprisingly fruit-forward expression of Nero d’Avola, this 2022 features a tart attack of rhubarb and black cherry, fading slowly to sweeter strawberry and raspberry notes. Moderately herbal with a touch of mint and basil on the back end, tempered by a slight note of graphite and, perhaps, some of that famous volcanic soil of Sicily. Versatile and expressive, and a massive bargain at this price. A- / $20

2017 Cantine Florio Vecchioflorio Marsala Superiore – Marsala is hardly a category we cover much around here — or at all — but there’s no reason not to start now. Imagine Madeira and pump it up threefold and you’re in the ballpark with this 2017 bottling of Florio: boldly oxidized, with notes of roasted nuts well-doused in old sherry. Sharp and biting at the start and on through to the finish, the wine’s sour overtones evoke crabapple with a lacing of ginger. I’d rather cook a chicken breast with the stuff than sip on it straight, but that’s just me. B / $17

The post Sicilian Wine Review: 2022 Corvo Irmana Nero d’Avola and 2017 Florio Marsala appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.