In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two demons of prostitution. Asmodeus is the offspring of the relationship between Naamah and Adam. Of all of the varietals of Italy, Nero d’Avola is as lustful and pleasurable as it gets. Rich, peppery and opulent. It has many of the same characteristics of Syrah and is the most important grape of Sicily.
Asmodeus
Nero D'Avola | Sicily
VARIETY
100% Nero d'Avola
REGION
Terre Siciliane IGP
VINE AGE
20-30-years-old
SOIL TYPE
Volcanic sand & clay
ÉLEVAGE
2 months – 2nd use French and American oak barrels
ALCOHOL
13.5%
PRODUCTION
3,300 cases
WINEMAKING
After a much needed few hours in a refrigerated space, the grapes were de-stemmed and cold soaked on the skins for two weeks with frequent délestage. A gentle pressing to stainless steel tank followed where they were vinified. The wine then spends 2 months in used French and American oak barrels, which gives a little more structure. It finishes back in tank to integrate, and is bottled with a gentle fining, one-micron filtration, and measured sulfur addition.
TASTING NOTE
Deep garnet in the glass. Ripe plums, black pepper, and tobacco swirl on the nose. The medium-plus body strikes a balance between candied berries and bright acidity, finishing with a touch of licorice and smooth yet structured tannins.