Italian Wines - Sedara Nero d�Avola

With Ciro Pirone

Italian wines are made with the aim of partnering Italy's rich and diverse cuisine. The subtle flavors should work in harmony with the food without drawing too much attention to the wine. As they say in Italy, wine should not be the center of attention. This wine is also so dark it requires a very hearty food companion. For example consider pairing it with char-grilled steaks or braised pork chops with a sauce, such as sweet caramelized onions.

Typical of Nero d'Avola, this is a richly colored wine, inky dark-ruby and almost blackish in the glass. The ruby-red color is rounded out by lively garnet reflections. The impact on the nose is intense with sensations of tobacco, spices and mineral notes. In the mouth, the wine is balance with fruity flavors, mainly blackberries and cherries. It has a persistent finish.

There is also a warm kick in the finish that suggests high alcohol, although the label claims only a relatively low 13.5 percent. Sedara’ Nero d’Avola  is a hearty wine that will appeal to those who like their reds in the muscular, ripe contemporary style.

Since graduating from the Istituto Alberghiero (Hotel and Restaurant Management school) di Salerno in 1994, Ciro has traveled and worked in Italy, England and the US. Wine is always been an incredible passion for him, especially because growing up in Italy, wine was always a very important part of  family meals, and it was there he learned to respect and love it.Although Italy is always in his heart, in 1999 he moved to the USA permanently.  In Boston he continued his wine studies at Boston University, the International Sommelier Guild and WSET.Currently he has the position of Director of Italian Wines for Horizon Beverage Group.