Gueli U'Russu Nero d'Avola 2019

U'Russu is the entry-level red from Azienda Agricola Gueli, a family estate in Grotte, province of Agrigento, in south-central Sicily. The vineyards sit at 450 to 550 metres above sea level, about 25 kilometres inland from the southern coast, on two distinct soil types: pale chalky "Trubi" soils similar to talcum, and stony limestone-clay "Calcari della Scintilia" parcels. The estate spans 10 hectares of vines and almond orchards, all farmed organically.

U'Russu is built on Nero d'Avola co-fermented with small quantities of local varieties including Bianco Giovani, Quattro Rappe, and Catanese Nero. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in open-top cement tanks. The wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfites. Total SO2 runs between 6 and 15 mg/L from natural fermentation alone.

In the glass, U'Russu shows deep purple-red. The nose delivers ripe blueberry, licorice, and dried herbs with a mineral, slightly salty edge. On the palate it is medium-bodied with fine but present tannins, more grip than you expect at first pour, and a crunchy, fresh finish driven by the high-elevation diurnal temperature swing. Open a day before serving or decant for 30 minutes to let it settle.