La Bollina Josué Rosso Terre Siciliane IGP 2019 – All Stars Deal

This wine showcases the fascinating marriage between Sicily's indigenous nero d'avola grape and French merlot, creating what's known as a 'crossover hit'. The nero d'avola brings exotic Mediterranean character and intense concentration typical of Sicily's volcanic terroir, while merlot adds familiar plush berry flavours and structural backbone. This combination is relatively uncommon in Italian winemaking, where producers traditionally focus on native varietals, making it an intriguing example of modern Sicilian innovation.

With its powerful structure and dense concentration, this wine has excellent ageing potential spanning many years from the 2019 vintage. The high acidity and tannin structure from both nero d'avola and merlot provide the framework necessary for extended cellaring, while the fruit intensity will gradually evolve into more complex secondary flavours. Given that it's already showing beautiful balance at four years old, you can confidently cellar it for another 5-8 years, though it's equally enjoyable now.

The wine's rich berry flavours and spicy character make it perfect for robust Mediterranean cuisine, particularly grilled lamb with herbs, aged cheeses, or traditional Sicilian dishes like caponata or arancini. The merlot component's plush texture complements red meat beautifully, while the nero d'avola's natural acidity cuts through rich, tomato-based sauces. Its full-bodied nature also pairs excellently with barbecued meats or hearty pasta dishes with wild boar or sausage.

The exceptional 99-point score from Luca Maroni and strong 4.2 Vivino rating reflect the wine's remarkable balance between power and elegance. Critics particularly appreciate how the winemaker has managed to create intensity without sacrificing freshness, a challenging feat in Sicily's warm climate. The successful integration of international and native varietals demonstrates sophisticated winemaking, while the wine's ability to express both exotic Sicilian character and approachable merlot familiarity appeals to a broad range of palates.

You'll immediately notice the wine's impressive concentration and full-bodied weight, followed by waves of ripe cherry and raspberry flavours enhanced by distinctive spicy notes. The nero d'avola contributes an exotic, almost sun-baked intensity that's uniquely Sicilian, while the merlot provides a familiar plush mouthfeel and structural support. Despite its power, the wine maintains excellent freshness and acidity that prevents it from feeling heavy, creating a dynamic tasting experience that evolves beautifully in the glass.