8.8 DEAL: 1pk La Bollina Josué Rosso Terre Siciliane IGP 2019

This wine showcases the fascinating marriage between Sicily's indigenous nero d'avola grape and French merlot, creating what's known as a 'crossover' wine. The nero d'avola brings exotic Mediterranean character and intense concentration typical of Sicily's volcanic soils, while the merlot adds familiar structure and plushness. This combination represents the modern evolution of Sicilian winemaking, where traditional varieties meet international grapes to create wines that honour local terroir while appealing to global palates.

With its powerful structure and concentrated body, this wine has excellent ageing potential spanning many years from its 2019 vintage. The high acidity and tannin structure from both the nero d'avola and merlot provide the backbone necessary for long-term cellaring. As it matures, expect the dense berry flavours to evolve into more complex secondary notes while the wine's natural freshness maintains balance. For optimal enjoyment, consider cellaring for 3-8 years, though it's drinking beautifully now.

The wine's rich cherry and raspberry flavours with spice notes make it ideal for robust Mediterranean cuisine, particularly grilled lamb with herbs, aged cheeses, or traditional Sicilian dishes like caponata or arancini. The merlot component adds enough elegance for roasted meats, while the nero d'avola's intensity can stand up to bold flavours like wild boar ragu or barbecued ribs. The wine's natural acidity cuts through rich, fatty dishes beautifully.

The exceptional 99-point score from Luca Maroni and 4.2 Vivino rating reflect the wine's masterful balance between power and elegance. Critics particularly praised how the winemaker achieved such concentration without sacrificing freshness - a challenging feat in Sicily's warm climate. The seamless integration of two very different grape varieties, combined with the wine's ability to express both exotic Sicilian character and international appeal, demonstrates exceptional winemaking skill that critics recognise as outstanding value.

Expect an immediately impressive wine with dense, concentrated berry flavours that showcase both cherry and raspberry notes, enhanced by warming spice elements. The full-bodied palate delivers the promised power while maintaining surprising freshness through vibrant acidity that provides lift and prevents the wine from feeling heavy. The nero d'avola contributes exotic, sun-soaked Mediterranean character, while the merlot adds familiar plushness and structure, creating a complex yet approachable drinking experience that evolves beautifully in the glass.