Tenuta di Castellaro, Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT (Sicily, Italy) “Nero Ossidiana” 2021 ($50)

Located on Lipari Island, just off the coast of Sicily, Tenuta di Castellaro is focusing on Corinto, a native but obscure grape of Sicily. This one Nero Ossidiana, which takes its name from obsidian, a kind of volcanic rock, is a blend of organic Corinto Nero (90%) and Nero d’Avola. Since a lava-like minerality is apparent, the name is appropriate. Bright, juicy, cherry-like fruit balances the minerality in this mid-weight beauty. Not particularly tannic, it impresses with its length and freshness. It would be an ideal choice at the table with seafood in a tomato sauce rather than as a stand-alone aperitivo type wine.
93 Michael Apstein – May 14, 2025