Wine Pick: Cusumano Nero d’Avola 2013

We’re gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse

One of the biggest events on the world wine calendar (yes, the world) is the Vancouver International Wine Festival, which runs from February 20 to 28 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.  The 38^th edition of this famous consumer wine show features Italy, and so for the rest of the month I’ll introduce some of our favourite award winners from the country known as Oenotria. Capiche?The dreary grey days of West Coast winter demand a warming antidote: something to remind us that sunshine–and perhaps even heat–are at least theoretical possibilities. From Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean, brambly, spicy Cusumano Nero d’Avola is just the ticket. Rustic, earthy, and full of grippy tannins that proclaim the volcanic richness of Sicilian soil, it’s also deliciously ripe and plummy. Try it slightly chilled to enhance its freshness; to celebrate Lunar New Year, match it with crispy pork belly, or just  pick up a bottle for the ultra-cool glass ‘cork’ that seals the bottle perfectly.Cusumano Nero d’Avola 2013 | Italy | $16.29 | +143610For a full list of our 2016 Wine Award winners, click here