The (Extreme) Barolo of the South
Twice the Wine at Half the Price?

If the wines of southern Italy have never quite enjoyed the so-called "polish" or "sophistication" of the north, when the force of these muscular wines is tamed, they are show stoppers - riveting bottles that flash powerful ripe fruit on tensile, sinewy frames.

It should also be said that the best wines of the south happen to be ridiculous values. since the producers don't have the aristocratic legacy that many of northerners benefit from. (and dare we save even sometimes use as a crutch)

Making wine in amphora is an ancient technique re-gaining popularity around the world but especially in Italy. Winemakers favor amphora because they're porous, non-oak vessels; plus, they naturally collect sediment in their bases so fining/filtering isn't necessary.

Surprising, Sleeper Hit from Sicily
2008 Terzavia Occidens
Fascinating Texture, Freshness, Salinity and Soul

At the end of a recent staff tasting, we went around the table to hear everyone's favorites. This is the wine that won: a grippy, broad-textured, gently orange wine out of western Sicily - a total wild card somehow pulling down the most votes.

I shouldn't say "somehow," because the 2008 Terzavia Occidens actually is that compelling (more on that in a second). Still, there's something remarkable about a $25 slightly orange wine from obscure indigenous grapes in western Sicily taking center stage. Especially for a group that spends a lot of time drinking snappy, high-acid wines from more northern climes (many of which were included in the staff tasting that night).