Ammasso is a curious blend of Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown in Sicily in the vineyards of Vinicoltori Contalto. As hearty as any pure-Nero Sicilian wine you’ve probably encountered, this brooding bruiser takes its time to come into focus, letting dark fruit notes of overripe plum, currants, and dark chocolate studded with raisins do the bulk of the talking. The lighter notes of Nerello Mascalese are run over here, though they perhaps do some work in the background, adding a bit of much-needed acidity, some orange peel (evident on the finish), and light floral touches here and there. I’d pair this with a family-style Italian dinner — as long as a big hunk of meat was part of the menu.

A- / $32 / baronemontalto.wine

2019 Barone Montalto Ammasso Rosso Sicilia DOC

$32

9

Rating

9.0/10