Ceuso Scurati 2004 Italy, Sicily ($16)
From the Alcamo zone of western Sicily, comes this pure Nero d'Avola wine. This is the first bottle from my case of Italian wines I received as a gift. My signature meat ragu was on the menu the other night, so of course I needed a red wine to add to the cooking process. It's always difficult to pour out a cup of it just for cooking, but I've realized that the result justifies one less glass for drinking.
Bright ruby red color. Intense aroma similar to a Syrah but with more earth. Ripe cherries and chocolate are the main players in this youthful wine. Very fleshy texture with smooth tannins. Full bodied with a delicious finish. I have to say that I have an appetite for warm weather Italian reds. This one delivers even though I was worried it may have been to young to drink. My grade: B+
This is a good one, with even some complexity. I too wonder if we aren't drinking it a little too soon, because I do think its acidity will allow it to age well. But it's damned hard not to drink it all up right away!
Did you know Jancis Robinson named this as one of her wines of the week back in July?
Posted by: Terry Hughes | January 16, 2006 at 01:29 PM
I keep seeing her name being thrown around on the blogs. I'll have to check her site out. As for the Nero, I'm gonna have to pick up another bottle. USQ wines stocks it as far as I know.
Posted by: WaterintoWino | January 16, 2006 at 01:34 PM
I think Astor stocks it too--cheaper.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | January 17, 2006 at 12:59 PM
I had this wine on Saturday nite at Becco in NY 46th st. Exceptional wine and a great price for a reataurant at $25. And by the way a great restaurant too.
Posted by: Jim Brown | November 10, 2009 at 06:07 PM