4 and 6 bottle levels   $22 (member price $19)
100% Perricone   12.5% ABV

Perricone is a little known variety grown only in Western Sicily.  It was widely planted on the island until Phylloxera wiped out almost all acreage, and Nero d’Avola largely took its place.  The VV crew tasted this wine at the winery last October, and commented on how well it went with the local cuisine.  Think of it as being similiar to Barbera, but with higher tannins, due to thicker skin.  This late ripening grape is also used in Marsala production; logical, because the vineyards is so close to that iconic appellataion.  Aged in stainless steel.  Morello cherry, red plum, juniper, black pepper.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Serve this tangy red with regional favorites such as spezzatino di agnello con patate (lamb stew with potatoes), eggplant arancini, spezzatino di vitello (veal stew made with onions, tomato paste and vegetables), braciole alla Sicilian (veal scaloppini filled with olives and capers) and involtini di carne (steak roll-ups stuffed with ham, cheese and pistachios). Or simply enjoy this ripe red with an antipasti platter complete with marinated mushrooms, prosciutto, Sicilian olives, marinated artichoke hearts and regional cheeses such as Pecorino, Caciocavallo, Vastedda and Canestrato.