A mix of dusty ashen stone, black currants and hints of animal musk lifts up from the darkly alluring 2019 Perricone Core. This fills the palate with pliant, soft textures complemented by juicy notes of blackberry and inner lavender tones. It remains energetic and fruit-focused even as youthful grippy tannins settle in through the long finale, where hints of licorice and blueberry skins resonate. The Core does an excellent job of integrating the gruff Perricone tannins that often make this variety bitter and difficult to enjoy in its youth. Well done.

The Perricone grape (also known locally as Guarnaccia Nera) offers rich concentration and ample power, but it also shows a rustic side with hints of bramble and bitterness that are part of its DNA. The certified organic Feudo Montoni 2019 Sicilia Perricone Core is very true to the varietal with a noticeable richness, a smoky or spicy character and plenty of sweet cherry and blackberry. The mouthfeel is not too powerful, and the tannins are moderate, but this release of 26,000 bottles remains your proverbial steak wine nonetheless.

This opens with aromas of prune and baking spice. The smooth approachable palate doles out ripe blackberry jam, licorice and vanilla alongside enveloping tannins.