Vintage Character The 2019 Sicilia Sagana from Cusumano is a single-vineyard Nero d’Avola crafted in the Monreale area of western Sicily, where clay-limestone soils and a Mediterranean climate shape wines of remarkable depth and character. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, extended summer punctuated by cool nights, resulting in fruit with excellent ripeness and balance—widely considered an outstanding year for Sicilian reds.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing Awarded 91 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this wine greets the senses with vibrant aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and Mediterranean herbs, complemented by subtle notes of licorice and sweet spice. On the palate, it is plush and full-bodied, offering juicy dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a lingering, savory finish with hints of balsamic and mineral. Its layered complexity and structure make it a natural match for grilled lamb chops, roasted eggplant, or aged pecorino cheese; for an Asian-inspired pairing, braised beef with star anise harmonizes beautifully with its savory depth.
Winery Background Founded in 2001 by brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano, Cusumano has become a leading force in Sicilian winemaking, dedicated to expressing the island’s indigenous varietals and unique terroir. The Sagana vineyard is managed with sustainable viticultural practices, emphasizing soil health and balanced vine growth. In the cellar, the Cusumano team favors minimal intervention, allowing the purity of Nero d’Avola and the distinctiveness of Monreale’s clay-limestone soils to shine through in the finished wine. This commitment to both innovation and tradition has earned Cusumano a reputation for producing modern, authentic Sicilian wines that consistently reflect the character and heritage of the region.