Wines Sicily Assuli - Lorlando - 2019

Assuli's Cuvée Lorlando 2019 is an organic red wine hailing from the Sicilia appellation in Sicily, Italy. While the exact grape blend is not specified, Sicilian reds are often made from indigenous varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Frappato, or Nerello Mascalese, though international grapes are occasionally included. The 2019 vintage experienced favourable growing conditions on the island, often resulting in balanced ripeness and expressive fruit aromas. The vinification for organic Sicilian reds like this tends to emphasise gentle extraction to preserve freshness and varietal character, often avoiding excessive oak to highlight the purity of the fruit.

Sicily is Italy’s largest wine region and has a long, complex history of winemaking, influenced by centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman rule. The island benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The diverse terroir includes sun-soaked hillsides and a rich mixture of soils, from volcanic around Mount Etna to limestone and clay elsewhere. These factors combine to produce reds that are both generous and structured, balancing ripe fruit, supple tannins and often a pleasing freshness, especially from organically farmed vineyards.

For pairing, a Sicilian organic red with likely Nero d'Avola or similar varieties lends itself wonderfully to robust Mediterranean cuisine. Consider Sicilian classics such as caponata, aubergine parmigiana, or grilled lamb with herbes. Meaty pasta dishes like pasta alla Norma or slow-cooked ragù harness the wine's fruit and structure. Hard cheeses such as pecorino or mature caciocavallo also make a natural match, drawing out the wine’s depth and spicy notes.

To enjoy this cuvée at its best, serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for half an hour will allow the aromas to unfold beautifully, revealing the wine's full complexity and charm. This organic Sicilian red is ideal for convivial meals and promises to evolve gracefully over the next few years.