Calneggia Nero d'Avola Syrah 2019

Loud, juicy, and not here to make friends.

This isn’t your quiet, well-behaved dinner wine. This is the one that shows up late, kicks the door open, and pours itself a glass. A bold blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah that doesn’t care what you think - it knows it tastes bloody good.

Let’s start with the look - vibrant ruby red with a hit of purple swagger. Smells like crushed red berries and cracked pepper, maybe a bit of green capsicum if you’re paying attention. It’s got that wild Sicilian soul from the Nero, but Syrah steps in to smooth the edges and throw a little fruit bomb into the mix.

On the palate? Bright fruit, a bit of spice, and a savoury kick that’ll have you checking the label again. The Nero brings the grit, the Syrah brings the grin. Together they balance each other out like a street fight that ends in a hug.

Grown in western Sicily under that relentless southern sun, these grapes soaked up every bit of warmth and turned it into flavour. 2019 was hot, early, and generous - no drama in the vineyard, just ripe fruit ready to go. No oak here either, so what you’re tasting is pure grape and dirt.

It’s a wine that’s not pretending to be fancy. Stainless steel all the way, no frills winemaking, just clean, controlled fermentation and bottle-ready juice. But don’t confuse simple with boring - this thing has layers if you let it breathe.

Drink it with a steak, a bowl of rich pasta, or just a big slab of cheese. Or honestly, just drink it on a weeknight because it’s been that kind of week. It’s not too heavy, not too light - just right.

There’s a juiciness that hits first, followed by a little earthy grip that sticks around. You get the sense it would argue with you at the pub, but still buy the next round.

This is Sicily doing what it does best: making wine that feels alive, rugged, and sun-drenched. It’s got personality, depth, and just enough polish to keep things interesting.

Verdict:

This wine doesn’t need your approval - it knows what it is.

Savage, slurpable, and ready when you are.

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