In the glass
Aroma: cherry, plum, fresh herbs, warm earth
Palate: red-dark fruit, medium tannin, herbal, warm mineral
Ajello's Osa red blend of Nero d'Avola and Grillo is an unusual pairing of a red and white variety in a co-fermented red: warm, herbal and distinct from straightforward varietal Nero d'Avola.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb with fresh herbs
The wine's herbal character and warm fruit complement fresh herb-seasoned lamb. -
Pasta con le sarde in agrodolce
The unusual red-white co-ferment creates a versatile food-bridge red for this sweet-sour sardine pasta. -
Pecorino fresco
Medium tannin and herbal warmth suit the mild freshness of young sheep's milk cheese.
How to serve Ajello Osa
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled lamb with fresh herbs, Pasta con le sarde in agrodolce, Pecorino fresco. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Osa is Ajello's unusual co-fermented blend of Nero d'Avola and Grillo, exploring the western Sicilian tradition of blending red and white grapes. The organic farming approach reflects the estate's commitment to traditional methods.
- 2006 — First Osa co-fermented Nero d'Avola and Grillo blend from organic Belice Valley estate
Facts
- Producer
- Abele Ajello
- Grapes
- Nero d'Avola, Grillo
- Classification
- Sicilia DOC
- Oak
- Aged in Slavonian oak, 10 months
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 10-16 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2006
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Frequently asked about Ajello Osa
What does Ajello Osa taste like?
On the nose, cherry, plum, fresh herbs, warm earth. On the palate, red-dark fruit, medium tannin, herbal, warm mineral. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a warm, herbally persistent finish. Ajello's Osa red blend of Nero d'Avola and Grillo is an unusual pairing of a red and white variety in a co-fermented red: warm, herbal and distinct from straightforward varietal Nero d'Avola.
When should I drink Ajello Osa?
Drink 2-8 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Ajello Osa?
Grilled lamb with fresh herbs is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pasta con le sarde in agrodolce and Pecorino fresco. The wine's herbal character and warm fruit complement fresh herb-seasoned lamb.
What grapes are in Ajello Osa?
The blend is Nero d'Avola, Grillo. The wine is classified as Sicilia DOC.