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“Rustic”. Throughout the development and evolution of Montoliva Vineyard & Winery, this is a term I have heard often to describe my wines. It is not a term of endearment in California, although I suspect that as the terms “natural” and “authentic” slowly become meaningless clichés in the wine world, you will start to hear this term more often in a positive note. Back in the early 2000s I would cringe when critics would use “rustic” to describe my wines, even when it was intended as a compliment, as in "rustic, in the best sense of the word" (an actual review of my 2008 Sangiovese), however I’ve come around to embrace it. And if your focus is southern Italian varietals, and rustic is your watchword, well, you have to grow Nero d’Avola. Nero d’Avola is the most widely grown grape in Sicily, and has a reputation for being “rustic” in nature. We planted Nero over at the Wabash Avenue Vineyard in 2015. This is our second wine from those plants, and I have to say, I think Nero d’Avola likes it in Chicago Park. Deep, dark, rich fruit combined with a noteworthy earthy mid-palate, finishing fairly dry. Only 100 cases produced. From a Paul Gregutt (Seattle Times) review: "sappy and rich, loaded with blueberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit. There's just enough ripeness to put a touch of pastry on the fruit flavors" From a Dan Berger (Napa Valley Register) review: "The wine is spectacularly scented with blackberries and loganberries and has a slight hint of fresh anise in the aroma. Although it is relatively gutsy, it’s brilliant when served alongside something like roast lamb. Best decanted for several hours."