Due Lune Nero d’Avola – Nerello Mascalese 2023
A rich, smooth and characterful Sicilian red that brings together two of the island’s signature grapes: Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese.
Ripe blackberry, plum and red fruits are layered with warm spice and dark chocolate, while a period of natural grape drying before fermentation adds extra concentration and richness. The wine is then matured for around 12 months in French and American oak, giving it a rounded, polished texture and additional complexity.
Full-flavoured without becoming overly heavy, Due Lune combines Nero d’Avola’s dark, generous fruit with the freshness and structure of Nerello Mascalese. The result is a plush, warming Sicilian red with soft fruit, noticeable depth and an appealing savoury-spiced finish.
A great choice for anyone who enjoys Primitivo, Malbec, Ripasso or rich southern Italian reds, but wants something with a distinctly Sicilian character.
Italy
Sicily
Blend
750ml
13.50%
2023
DOC
SiciliaCantine Cellaro is based in Sambuca di Sicilia in western Sicily, an area blessed with abundant sunshine and warm Mediterranean conditions. Due Lune brings together 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Nerello Mascalese, a combination the estate describes as symbolic of Sicily. The grapes come from low-yielding vineyards where exposure to the sun and warm African winds encourages excellent aromatic ripeness.
What makes Due Lune particularly interesting is its production method. Before harvest, the vine shoots are cut, allowing the grapes to dry naturally on the vine for approximately 15–20 days. During this period they lose around 15–20% of their weight, concentrating their sugars, flavours and aromas before pressing.
Following fermentation and extended skin contact, the wine spends approximately 12 months in French and American oak barrels. This gives Due Lune its distinctive combination of ripe fruit, warmth, spice and chocolate while retaining enough freshness and structure to keep the wine balanced.
Due Lune is a full-bodied, dry red with plenty of ripe fruit and a smooth, warming character. Think blackberry, plum and dark cherry with chocolate and spice rather than a lighter, sharper red-fruit style.
The partial drying of the grapes gives it extra richness and concentration, so if you enjoy wines such as Primitivo or Valpolicella Ripasso, you'll find plenty to like here. Nerello Mascalese brings additional freshness and structure, preventing the wine from feeling overly heavy.
In simple terms: rich, dark-fruited, smooth and slightly spicy – a big Sicilian red that's very easy to enjoy.
- Nose: Rich and expressive, with ripe blackberry, plum and red berry fruit accompanied by warm spice, dark chocolate and subtle oak. The 2023 has also been noted for darker aromas of black plum, coffee and crushed stone.
- Palate: Full, warm and smooth, with generous blackberry and black cherry fruit complemented by dark chocolate and espresso-like notes. Ripe tannins provide structure while lively acidity keeps the concentrated fruit balanced.
- Finish: Long and warming, with lingering red and dark fruits, chocolate and gentle spice.
- Grilled Steak – Rich dark fruit and structured tannins stand up beautifully to chargrilled beef.
- Roast Lamb – Warm spice and ripe fruit complement the richness of lamb.
- Pasta with Rich Tomato & Meat Sauces – The wine has enough body and freshness for hearty pasta dishes.
- Grilled Vegetables – Smoky vegetables complement its savoury and spicy character.
- Baked or Roasted Fish – A surprisingly good pairing recommended by the producer for richer fish dishes.
- Goat’s Cheese – The wine's ripe fruit provides contrast to tangy, savoury cheese.
- Serve at around 18°C – The producer's recommended temperature.
- Decant for 30–45 minutes – Particularly useful while the 2023 is young, allowing the fruit and oak to open.
- Use a generous red wine glass – Gives its dark fruit, chocolate and spice aromas room to develop.
- Enjoy now or cellar for a few years – Its concentration and oak maturation give it enough structure for further short- to medium-term development.
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
Enniskillen BT92 9AN
United Kingdom
