Nero d'Avola "Ishac" 2021 Porta del Vento

Porta del Vento's Ishac red wine is made from pure Nero d'Avola grapes, Sicily's native variety par excellence. It is a label that is very expressive of the production area, the North-West of Sicily, with a juicy and fruity palate, almost sweet, reflecting the nose with aromas of ripe red fruits. Porta del Vento is a family business founded about 20 years ago by Marco Sferlazzo, a firm believer in biodynamic and organic farming, a non-invasive approach in both the vineyard and the cellar, with the aim of producing healthy and genuine wines, far from an industrial vision and the use of chemical additives. The plot is north-facing, at an altitude of 450 m. The vines grow on medium-textured, clayey soils, richer in composition than the other plots and less drained, with a north-south exposure. The harvest is carried out manually during the second ten days of September, with a careful selection of the grapes, which are collected in boxes. After harvesting, the grapes are cooled to 8°C in the cellars and destemmed before cold maceration to prevent fermentation. Spontaneous fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature with indigenous yeasts and in the presence of the skins for 10-12 days in cement tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place at the end of fermentation. The wine matures for 12 months in large 25 hl toasted oak barrels and then rests for 6 months in the bottle. To the eye, Nero d'Avola has an intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is rich, with hints of cherry, violet petals and small red fruits, reminiscent of black cherry and ripe cherry. On the palate, it is characterised by its structure, typical of the grape variety, with dense and soft tannins, not obtrusive, offering a pleasant drink accompanied by a long persistence. It is an excellent accompaniment to hors d'oeuvres with cured meats and cheeses, red and white meats and stews, enhancing each dish with its aromatic richness and balanced freshness.