Feudo Maccari Saia 2008

Saia is an ancient Arab word referring to small canals or viaducts built to hold water for use during the summer months. A restricted yield from Nero d'Avola vines averaging 20 years of age is hand harvested and fermentation is initiated in stainless steel tanks and lined vats, with a maceration on the skins of 15 days and regular punching down of the cap. A full malolactic fermentation is followed by 15 months in French oak barriques, of which half are new and half are of one year's use. Four months in bottle precede release.

Saia is opaque deep violet in color with aromas of dark and bitter red cherry, spearmint, spice and oak nuances. These lead into a velvety palate of lush, exotically concentrated fruit balanced by a fine acidic underpinning and ripe, sweet tannins. The long, penetrating finish ends on notes of wood, spice and pepper.