Cairo NY -- So as to be fair and not give up too easily, I decided to give the Nero d'Avola grape of recent Pinocchio infamy at least one more chance. 

Fortunate enough to have frozen the substantial leftovers from last week's delicious Sicilian linguine and calamari meal, a gift bottle of the subject vino di Sicilia (a four-way blend that is 25% each of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Nero d'Avola) was uncorked and given plenty of breathing room.

With no exaggerated blurbs or taste promises on the label the quest for objectivity should have been as unprejudiced as possible.  Only the alcohol content marker (14%) and an IGT disclaimer were listed on the bottle's labels.

Nonetheless, I must admit to wondering whether the three "mixer" wines -- none of which enjoys a spectacular reputation when originating from Italy -- would be able to enhance Nero d'Avola enough to overcome its harshness. 

The rich purplish color and predominantly Merlot nose prepared me for a good taste result.  Unfortunately, while being far more flavorful than Nero d'Avola on its own, this is not the kind of velvety smooth wine you might expect, given the other contents.

In the bang-for-the buck department, with advertised prices in the $15 to $20 range, again I must point to many young Italian, South American and French wines in the ten buck and under price range that are far more likeable. 

While the chances of yet another Nero d'Avola tasting are slim and none, perhaps you know of one that might tickle my not-so-finicky palate?

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