Nero D'Avola, 2017. Feudo Motoni

Feudo Montoni is the new model for the future of Sicilian wines. Its history is un-matched as the property has been producing wine for over 500 years. Fabio Sireci is the third generation of the family which purchased the estate over 100 years ago.

In the last several decades, Sicily has been at the forefront of exciting Italian wines. New producers, new technology and new thinking lead the way. But, that was not everybody else's way. The new producers planted "foreign" grapes like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Sireci would have none of that. For more than five centuries, Montoni has focused only on indigenous Sicilian varietals like Nerello, Catarratto and Sicily's prized grape, Nero d'Avola. His position was, "Why plant what the rest of the world is planting when you have your own grapes of quality to show off?" Besides, those grapes have served them well for a few centuries.

Sireci was also one of the first to introduce organic farming to Sicily, along with using renewable energy sources. This wave has taken over Sicily and has transformed it into one of the leaders of conscionable farming in the world. Obviously, there are no herbicides or pesticides used in the vineyards. There are also no mechanical, gas-driven vehicles allowed, and all work is done by hand. The result is a powerful expression of this amazing grape, offering dense black fruits like plum and blackberry to match a spicy tomato sauce or sausage and peppers.

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