(price $22.99)

Hailing from Etna, Sicily, brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano have taken the native grape variety called Nerello Mascalese and crafted it into a delicious red wine. Their vineyard is located on the slopes of Mount Etna on about 12 hectares of vines at an altitude of about 600-800 meters above sea level. This allows the Nerello Mascalese to ripen fully and give us a wine that is tempered and elegant. Offering up a bright ruby color and aromatic intensity, the bouquet of wild berry and cassis is what first reels you in. Aged in large oak casks for only six months really allows for the true flavor of the grape to shine. Reflecting the pumice laden soil of the region, this wine is intense with flavors of tobacco and dry earth. Carrying good structure and weight, this wine is can easily stand up to most any cut of beef roasted or grilled. But should you happen to be perusing the local farmers market with all its seasonal vegetables, something like a warm and hearty Ratatouille or even a recipe of sausage in a fresh tomato/basil coulis, would make this wine absolutely shine.