Tenuta di Castellaro Nero Ossidiana – 2018

This unique, organic red was grown on the volcanic soils of the beautiful Lipari Islands north of Sicily. It has southern Italian red cherry fruit flavour combined with surprisingly “Burgundian” freshness and vitality; true volcanic minerality.

“A blend of 90% Corinto Nero and 10% Nero d’Avola, the Tenuta di Castellaro 2018 Nero Ossidiana is fermented in stainless steel but finishes its malolactic fermentation in large oak casks to impart extra textural softness and fiber. Some 8,000 bottles were produced in this vintage, and organically farmed vines are planted in sandy volcanic soils that are rich in minerals. This wine is fragrant and pure with dried lilac and rose petal. This vintage offers some sweet cherry fruit to the palate followed by crisp acidity. That freshness would cut through a classic lasagna al forno. This wine is named after the glass-like black lava rocks, obsidian, that absorb so much heat and sunshine throughout the growing season.” 93/100pts Wine Advocate

“It has been so exciting to witness the steady progress of Tenuta di Castellaro over recent years. Last year, I named this organically farmed winery on my list of top discoveries from Italy. The estate farms 20 hectares of alberello vines on the island of Lipari. The vines are perched at 350 meters in elevation on the northeast side of the island, with views of the sea and the islands of Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina in the distance. They also farm a small vineyard on the southeast side of the island on a panoramic terrace located on a steep sea bluff. This site is planted to Malvasia delle Lipari and Corinto Nero. You can see the island of Vulcano on the horizon, and organized tours of the vineyard offer an unforgettable sunset wine tasting.” Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate