Fortazzo Appassite 2019

Sicily is Italy’s hottest wine region in every sense, loved for its super-rich, fantastic-value reds made from the country’s native grapes. And Fortazzo – Italian slang for impressive strength – takes Sicilian richness to a whole new level.

Crafted by the talented Simone Cortese, young star at Barone Montalto (an estate that scooped a 2015 Vinitaly Gran Menzione), it’s a luscious marriage of Sicily’s inky-dark Nero d’Avola and spicy Nerello Mascalese, plus a dash of berry-rich, international Syrah. Simone picked the grapes at optimum ripeness, then partially air-dried them in a fruttaio (drying house). Known as the appassimento method, this technique allows each grape to turn into a knot of concentrated flavor. Three months in fine French and American oak barrels completes the recipe.

The result is a heady, intensely flavored red with notes of rich black fruit and chocolatey spice. Full-bodied and velvety-smooth, it makes an indulgent aperitif or a delicious partner to classic antipasti or hearty barbecued fare.

Simone’s Fortazzo wines are hugely popular, and this special appassite release is the richest yet. We have just a few hundred cases to share … you know what to do!