Gulfi Nero d’Avola Nerobufaleffj 2005- A Sicilian Gem $29.95 RP93

This Sicilian gem is made from the native Nero d’Avola grape, and if you haven’t experienced the wines of Sicily, this would be a great place to start!  Though the name is as unpronounceable as that Icelandic volcano, the wine itself is highly pronounced.

Keeping with the volcano theme, a fresh expressive nose foreshadows an explosion of flavor on the palate, with tart but ripe cherry and dense dark fruit flavors.  I would describe this wine as Tuscany meets southern Rhone.   It has the dryness of Chianti combined with the juicy, dense fruit flavors of CdP.  All I can say is that you have to try it and you’ll understand what I mean.  The flavors are very familiar, yet unique at the same time.  This wine is highly ageworthy and while drinking great right now, it will only get better with 5-10 years on the cellar.

Buy 2005  Gulfi Nero d’Avola Nerobufaleffj- $29.95

Tonight I enjoyed this Sicilian wine with a fantastic Sicilian meal.  This meal is another Trader Joe’s weekly treat for us and here’s how it’s made:

Trader Joe’s Penne Arrabiata with Wilted Arugula and Sicilian Chicken Sausage:

1. Head to Trader Joe’s frozen food section and buy a bag of Penne Arrabiata for around three bucks.  While you’re there, pick up a tray of their Sicilian Chicken Sausage and a bag of baby arugula.

2. Cook the sausage on the grill or in a skillet.

3. Heat the pasta in a skillet according to the instructions but instead of eating as is, add a large handful of arugula.  It will look like too much when you add it but once it wilts, it simply adds a nice lemony, spicy flavor.

4. Serve with a great Sicilian wine, and for a special treat add a little goat cheese to the top of the pasta.

Robert Parker 93 points

“The 2005 Nerobufaleffj is a powerful, dense offering with tons of fruit backed up by an imposing structure. This is a decidedly primary, fresh Nero d’Avola that needs another year or so to begin developing the full range of its aromas and flavors. Even so, it is formidably impressive at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

Gulfi is one of my favorite producers of fine Nero d’Avola. These four top selections explore different facets of this native variety and are all compelling, each in their own way.”