Tasting notes:

Avignonesi produce this stellar example using an indigenous yeast culture that has been held for decades. The must is fermented in ‘caratelli’ (50-60l oak casks) and then aged for around 10 years. Deep tawny-hued with green lights at the rim, this sweet and unctuous (312g.l r.s.) wine is packed with chocolatecovered raisins, dark honey, caramel and blood orange. Incredibly complex with cashew and walnut coming across the beautifully balanced palate, the flavours and sweetness are framed by bracing acidity and freshness continuing forever. A little tannic grip adds structure. Layered, textured and concentrated, this is a (nearly?) perfect wine. It needs nothing as a pairing, but if needs must, perhaps a house-made Madagascar vanilla ice cream or a slice of the world’s most delectable Philadelphia cheesecake. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]