2006 Ajello Majus
2006 Majus by Ajello from Sicilia; Wine Variety: Nero d’Avola (Red); Price: $12.99
I’ve let you know already that I’m merely a wine dabbler and dreamer, not to be confused with an expert. While I know a little about a few wines, I know nothing about Sicilian wines. I selected this bottle based upon a shelf talker that said it would pair well with red sauce, which was part of my evening’s dinner plan.
While prepping the bell peppers and zucchini, I poured myself a little sip. After some time, it opened up to fragrances of currants and roasted chestnuts. With a medium body, it presented bright fruit flavors, including raspberries, with some acidity up front. Its backbone of tannins was not overwhelming, and I detected some toasted flavors on the mid-palate.
I reduced the olive oil I sautéed my veggies in with a dash of the Majus and some balsamic vinegar. After letting the strained tomatoes simmer in the sauce and cooking my fresh pasta, I was ready to see if the shelf talker was all talk or not.
With its subtle fruit and plentiful acids, the Majus perked up the flavors of my pasta dish. When paired with food, the wine’s fruit darkened to blackberries, a spiciness emerged, and a hint of toasted nuttiness blossomed at the back of my palate. It was like soul mates reuniting in my mouth.
Verdict: This wine takes time to open up and to share its complexities. But, when I tasted it with my pasta dinner, it was amore at first bite and sip. This is a must-try, easy-on-the-palate (and wallet) wine.
Wine~n~Trip 