Drink of the Week: Riofavara Eloro ‘Spaccaforno’ Nero d’Avola

“Most people visit Noto, Italy, to see the Hall of Mirrors or to visit its beautiful 18th-century cathedral,” says Jason Zuliani, owner of Burlington’s Dedalus Wine Shop, Market, & Wine Bar (and the source for our May/June 2019 feature on the Vermont city). “I made the trek to the southern end of Sicily to visit Massimo Padova.” The Sicilian winemaker is all about shining a light on the soul of Sicily, and his Eloro ‘Spaccaforno’ 2016 vintage is no exception. “It’s a bright, juicy Nero d’Avola, a surprising twist for a variety more often associated with high alcohol and extraction.” With an energetic zip, notes of sour cherry and the capacity to chill, this affordable bottle is ready for grill season. “I went through a phase where I was grilling spatchcocked chicken rubbed with Piment d’Espelette and Maldon just so I had an excuse to open this wine,” says Zuliani. $22.99, dedaluswine.com