Nero Ossidiana IGT 2018

The Nero Ossidiana IGT 2018 is a dry red wine cuvée from Tenuta di Castellaro on the island of Lipari, named after obsidian, the black volcanic glass found in the soil. In the glass, a deep cherry red with delicate brick-red reflections; on the nose, ripe fruit underscored by smoky notes. 13.0 % vol.

The vines grow on the Piana di Castellaro at 350 metres above sea level on volcanic, sandy soil. Pumice, obsidian and kaolin define the terroir. Training follows the traditional Alberello (bush vine) system, free-standing without wire trellising; the terraces are only accessible on foot and demand entirely manual work. Massimo Lentsch and Stefania Frattolillo founded the estate in 2005; the 24 hectares are certified organic.

90 % Corinto Nero, a nearly extinct native variety, and 10 % Nero d'Avola. Spontaneous fermentation, one year of ageing in wooden barrels, followed by stabilisation in steel tanks. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. The bioclimatic cellar works exclusively by gravity.

Plenty of fruit, lively acidity and powerful minerality, with a fine-grained tannin that is still pleasantly assertive. On the nose, ripe wild raspberries, cranberries, blackberries and plum compote, enveloped by bright tobacco, cedarwood, freshly cracked pepper and grilled meat, with a hint of chocolate.

A wine for hearty, intense Italian cuisine: pasta with broccoli, capers, cherry tomatoes and garlic croutons, poussin on tagliatelle with walnut pesto and Marsala-saffron sauce, or involtini alla siciliana.

Corinto Nero is experiencing its renaissance on Lipari. The estate deliberately bottles only 70,000 bottles a year; since 2016, winemaker Emiliano Falsini has been responsible for vinification, and Massimo Lentsch belongs to the winegrowers' brotherhood I Vigneri di Salvo Foti.