2020 Paolo Calì Nero d'Avola Vittoria DOC

"We have been waiting with bated breath for MONTHS now for the Paolo Cali wines to arrive…and they’re finally here! We teased you with some sneaky peeks at the Girasole tasting in May as Paula and Marc got a hold of some advance “sample” bottles to pour…Sadly, I was so busy running around and pouring wine that I didn’t get a chance to taste them! No, I’m not whining…I’m not! Luckily, I finally got a chance to taste a few of his wines…and, yes, they aer worth the hype! That being said, they are definitely of a certain style – Paolo is all about transparency, purity and finesse. These are NOT big, bold wines. They are restrained, subtle and a bit “reticent”, meaning they need time to open up and show their best. Anyway, Paolo Cali is one of the “hottest” producers in Sicily right now and Paula and Marc have been working behind the scenes for MONTHS to seal the deal to represent him in California. Thanks Paula and Marc! Stay tuned for more Paolo Cali wines to arrive on our shelves in the coming weeks…and if we have enough wine, we may even do a tasting – but these wines are in HIGH demand and are going quickly. We are in a battle with some high-profile accounts in Southern California who are trying to take the lion’s share of the wines...but we have some pull here, so we should be okay. Enough said on that subject. Other than that. I could not find much info on this man, his winery OR his wines. I guess he’s busy making wine instead of working on his website…Oh, by the way, his 2020 wines were recently reviewed by James Suckling…and let’s just say he thought very highly of them! Apparently, the team at Vinous Media recently tasted them and their reviews are forthcoming. So, if the demand wasn’t high enough BEFORE, get ready!" - Mike Guerra, Advanced Sommelier

In the heart of the only DOCG in Sicily—Cerasuolo di Vittoria—Paolo Calì and his family run a 15-hectare estate entirely cultivated and planted with the native varieties Nero d’Avola and Frappato, from which four labels are produced. The vineyards are located only about 180 meters above sea level, arising from prehistoric marine sand dunes. Having this type of sandy soil beneath the vines is not only aesthetic, but influential. In winemaking, this landscape enhances the aromas and flavors of the wines produced from the grapes. Vines are pruned and grapes are harvested by hand, minimizing the use of mechanization in the winemaking process. Only the best grapes are used, after a strict selection.

100% Nero d’Avola. All estate fruit. Sandy soils. Biodynamic farming.  

Intense ruby red with violet reflections. Aromas of blackberry, plum, cherry and red currant. Well-balanced, spicy, elegant and persistent.

It's a wonderful partner for roasted or grilled meat dishes. It can stand up to Greek cuisine, like gyros or moussaka, and naturally works well with spicier Italian sausages or sauces like puttanesca.