NeroBaronj - 2004
Gulfi
- Region
- Italy 禄 Sicilia 禄 IGP Terre Siciliane
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- Gulfi
- Vintage
- 2004
- Grapes
- Nero d'Avola
- Alcohol
- 14
- Sugar
- 0.1
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
Vigna Baroni is nestled in Pachino, the heart of Val di Noto, within the picturesque province of Siracusa. Located at an elevation of 30 meters above sea level, the vines are caressed by the temperate-warm breezes of the Mediterranean climate. This ambiance is complemented by calcareous-clayey soils, creating an environment where the vines flourish. At Vigna Baroni, with a density of 8,000 vines per hectare, the yield is approximately 40 quintals per hectare, though this might fluctuate based on the vintage.
The vinification journey begins in the first half of September. The grapes, once plucked from their vines, are treated to a prolonged maceration with their skins, allowing for a rich extraction of flavors. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is then transferred into small 500 and 225-liter barrels, where it embarks on a maturation process spanning around two years. This meticulous process culminates in a year of horizontal bottle aging, refining the Nero d鈥橝vola's intrinsic qualities, and gifting wine enthusiasts a beverage that embodies the soul of Val di Noto.
Ratings
Tasting the 2004 vintage immediately after the 2011 provided a fascinating experience, especially when served blind. It's not surprising that none of the guests could pinpoint either the winery or the age. Unlike the other bottle I've opened a few months ago, this one showcased a more preserved state, presenting a charming bouquet rich with cherry, plum jam, old leather, black olives, toffee, and chocolate. There are subtle hints of VA and balsamic. The balance was near perfect, maintaining freshness with soft yet powerful tannins. Magnificent.
This Gulfi NeroBaronj 2004 is a testament to the deft craftsmanship of Gulfi, showcasing the pristine qualities of the Baroni vineyard with each sniff and in each sip.
The nose is a charismatic blend of cherry nut, plum jam, aged leather, black olives, chili pepper, coffee, and a finale of chocolate. The balance is almost impeccable. Juicy and tantalizing with a complexity that whispers tales of its journey. It has aged with grace, yet teases the palate with more tales to tell in the coming years. A generous and delicious offering.
Gulfi
The fact that my relations with Sicilian wines are special might be something obvious. But not many people know that it all started with Gulfi stand at the very first Kyiv Wine festival. When we met, I was already tired (e.g. drunk). I almost passed by, disgusted by my own weakness, when a Gulfi representative (apologies, I don't remember her name) stopped me and offered a glass of their wine. I looked at the representative welcoming face. I looked at the naked ass on the label. And I realised there are no reasons to reject this present from Dionysus. And even though I don't remember which wines I tasted exactly, the Gulfi imprint is what I took out of that overly drunk day.
It is worth mentioning that the naked ass on the label has a meaning. A meaning close enough to what one might think. Meet an ancient mosaic from Villa Romana del Casale located in Piazza Armerina in the province of Enna. This mosaic depicts Eros (Cupid) and Psyche (Beauty). According to the story, out of envy of Venus, they are forced to love each other in secret. But passion rarely goes unnoticed, and in their case, it found a physical manifestation (no puns) in the form of a daughter (no puns, seriously) they called Vulptas (literally meaning 'pleasure'), a goddess of sensual pleasures. And how does it connect to Gulfi? Sicily is Psyche, Gulfi is Eros, and their child is wine, a sensual pleasure.