Wonderful tasting with admirable honesty. You and Konstantin are my go to channels for wine reviews and he did something similar with champagne and English sparkling recently. If nothing else this video has made me want to search out and try more Nero d’Avola. I’ve had only wines at the lower end of the price range up until now which admittedly were very enjoyable. Maybe I should keep drinking at that price point🤷🏻♂️
This kind of stuff is honestly gold. It's what keeps your channel honest. Having your viewers trust is much more important than samples from an importer. Besides your face was hilarious... XD
@@drmatthewhorkey it was one, that I did for my channel, where I was investigating a 10€ wine, that James Suckling scored 95 Points. That I had to put to the test and hide it amongst 6 others of the same grape in a blind tasting 😅
@@drmatthewhorkey Fortunately not. Think I have one of those. 🤣 Have a number of the 2016 Don Michele Etna Contrada Mognazzi. Actually more Nerello in that one.
Absolutely loved your reaction man😂😂😂. Could not stop laughing. Such a genuine disgust about this misjudgment you had on your face 😂. What makes it even funnier is that you rated it 4.3 on Vivino a few years back. But that’s the beauty of blind tastings 😅.
Thanks for being honest and transparent by still posting this video. Maybe 5 years is still too early to really appreciate the Donnafugata? Glad you found a bargain, though. I had now idea they had 40,000 acres under vine. Wow! Oh, and look who's back: ua-cam.com/video/HareEFgTVqI/v-deo.html
Really appreciate you sharing this honest tasting here! This is just how it goes sometimes :). And, admittedly, I consider myself a fan of Mille E Una Notte. I've enjoyed it twice in a restaurant and paired it with a variety of delicious Italian dishes, it was a great experience! Now I need to try that Petraio!
All I can say is "Hooray!" I love to see that a higher price does not necessarily indicate better flavors! I thank you, so much, for your honesty! It would be terrible, if the only people who could experience wonderful wines are the very wealthy, so anytime the underdog wine tastes the best, it is reason to celebrate! I should think that any vintner would be thankful for honesty, as it can help to guide them to refine their processes for better taste. Now, I can't wait to try it, myself!
Nero D'Avola is really one of those wines that gives me a sense of place, since I traveled a few times to Sicily during the time I started to get into wines. I really recommend producers like Morgante ( legendary status in Sicily ) and Gulfi ( big range and bio-dinamic ). Honestly, I'm not that surprised about Mille e Una Notte. I tried it a long time ago, was about to dismiss it but it opened up beutifully - the next day. BTW, shocked at the 90 USD price tag, not even 8 years ago you could get it for 40-ish EUR. Craaaazy....
You are the coolest sharing this video, talking about integrity. While other videos introduce a broader variety of wines, I love this three bottle comparison. It’s probably also the mist nerve-wrecking for you.
Great video. That’s the power of blind tasting. Palates are so subjective. If I was to take away anything from that tasting is based on those three wines Producers of that grape maybe on par and price is based on some other factors.
these wineries should pay you a fortune for what you do for them ! youve acquainted me with wines i would never experienced if not for you! thank for for your time and know how
I love the honesty too, you could’ve edited this vid or not even posted it 😊 props to you 👍🏼 and it really does prove 2 points, #1 that price doesn’t necessarily equal quality and #2 a persons own definition of “quality,” ie “which one is the best” is a very subjective judgement call, neither right nor wrong 😊 the mantra that is the bedrock of the world of wine? “drink what you like” 🙌🏼 🍷 cheers
Loved the tasting, and think it's very useful. I had Nero d'Avola here and there, and though it's never bad, it never wows me as well. Your importer shouldn't stop sending you samples. He should come to the channel and bring light to what makes this wine special. I had a delicious cheap Donnafugatta Nero d'Avola some time ago. They shouldn't be mad about one tasting.
When I am invited to dinner and the occasion doesn't warrant an 80 dollar wine, due to attendance of new wine drinkers, and I don't have access to wines that I am familiar with, I usually grab a couple bottles of $10 to $15 Italian wine. They are pretty consistently drinkable, and on many occasions, I have been presently surprised. If Italian is unavailable, I always feel safe with one of Charles Smith's varieties from Washington State. Especially if I'm limited to what's in the grocery store. I have been increasing my wine knowledge from videos like on this channel and a couple of others that I trust.
Mille e Una Notte was the wine that brought me to this world. The first time I tasted really great wine and I was in awe. I couldn't believe a wine could taste like that. It was in 2012 and every year I try to drink a bottle of it -I still have one in my cellar. Almost 10 years later I met the international marketing chief for Tenuta Sette Ponti and he introduced me to SAIA, which became one of my favorite reds at this price range.
@@drmatthewhorkey Cool. I met him in LA, but I'm going to Italy in two weeks. Won't be able to go Tuscany this time around, but I'll get to visit Taurasi and Montefalco.
Wow, but loved the honesty. As far as Nero d'Avola, I've always been more partial to the other Sicilia red, Nerello Mascalese. But admittedly, maybe I just haven't tried enough Nero d'Avola.
It’s happens… who never brought a bottle of expensive wine thinking it would be brilliant, and got crushed by a cheaper one ? That’s the beauty of the wine business ! I like Nero d’avila specially in that 13 us price point ! I think they are perfect with pizza or lasagna ! Cheers !!!
I have had Nero a couple of times. One was clearly a mass-produced wine and it was like cough syrup. The second was a higher-end one and I was not impressed. It was OK, but for the $, there were better options. Loved the video as always
Hehe nice! Fun to see this swap. Especially with Donnafugata, as their Tancredi 2017 is on my list of top wines I've ever had (multiple times). Did not tried this one though - but looks like not a good value.
I have had both Nero d'Avola and Negroamaro and couldn't really see much difference until I ran into a Nero d'Avola that had been made with an eye to quality. Wow. California needs to seriously consider this grape, it's a climate change thing y'know. This tasting showed me that more expensive wines need more cellar time. I was not nearly as surprised as you were since European wines do this much more than California does, at least in my experience.
This is just more proof that there is no guarantee the most expensive wine is going to be your favorite. It's disingenuous to hype up wines you don't really care for just because they're expensive. I'm glad you stayed true and posted this despite the outcome!
@@drmatthewhorkey absolutely, some great examples of the varietal in its natural state. Can be so different though, my first Aussie Nero crush was Brash Higgins. Can’t remember the vintage.
The $6 Nero d’Avila at TJ’s is good for a daily drinker. I was at a Bordeaux tasting at a local wine shop, and for $120 +/- per bottle they didn’t hold a candle to a $40 Chateau Gloria I’ve had. Price doesn’t necessarily mean better..
Hi Matthew, very interesting blind tasting, sometimes the wines just underdelivers, a few months ago had a 20 USD bottle beatten by a 5 USD, some producers think that with prestige is enough but the wine is not according to their price point. On a side note, this series of expensive vs cheap blind tastings reminded me a video I saw, where a cooker buys three bottles of wine to prepare a wine reduction sauce, he prepared sauces with a 1 USD, 20 USD and using a first grouth, also doing a blind tasting with them, since the cooker isn't a wine educated person, he has some interesting insights, I think you will enjoy the video and also will be a great video reaction, here is the Link to the video. ua-cam.com/video/QlOFb452XNU/v-deo.html
Yep, we tested a 5€ Chardonnay from just „Pays D‘oc“ against a 25€ Chablis and we (5 people, not unexperienced with wine) could not find any difference. The 5€ one just had a bit of a strange smell. But otherwise exactly the same.
Speaking of Syrah-Nero D'Avola comparisons, I tried a Sicilian Syrah recently (Cantine Fina Syrah) and it was wonderful - cheap too, I think it was around £15.
I too had a problem with this varietal. The few I had seemed flat and uninteresting. My ears perked when I heard Giacomo Tachis. It's disappointing his wine didn't show well today. I was hoping another find, like Mariano Garcia did with Aalto.
Past vintages have shown better to me (but again that was not blinded). Tachis is responsible for a lot of great, modern Italian wine but I didn't want to go on and on hahaha
I can't help but wonder if the Donnafugata was too tight, flawed, or just not ready. Obviously, I'm not saying anything you don't know, but last week I opened a wine you turned me onto, the 2016 Caparsa Caparsino Riserva, and it showed really poorly at dinner. It didn't seem tight or flawed, just not good. I put me tail between my legs, corked it and brought it home. Two days later, it was phenomenal! Wine is crazy! If you ever decide to decant or open the Donnafugata, can you do a follow up on the wine?
It very much could be. Thanks for sharing your story about Caparsa… Hand crafted wine is so fickle and delicate. I think I’ll open Donnafugata and comment back here after a few days.
@@drmatthewhorkey Well that's a shame. At least you gave the wine every chance to show its stuff. It was a entertaining and "revealing" tasting on many levels. As you say, that's the power of blind tasting. I appreciate the follow up comment. And I, like everyone else here has commented, really appreciate your integrity. You have made us dedicated followers of your channel.
Don't feel too bad about this one, from what I've heard it happens to everyone sometimes. I have tried Nero d'Avola a few times, but since I have mainly tried entry level ones I haven't been blown away yet. As to inexpensive wine besting iconic wines that's a tough call. I know that I don't always enjoy a winery's top wine or cuvee, as they are sometimes over oaked or over extracted trying to mimic other classic regions wines rather than showcasing local terroir or cultivars.
Well i had wine that i 100% disliked and then one time i just enjoyed it. Or the other way around aswell. Maybe your mood/atmosphere and pairing plays all together sometimes.
If you ever have to choose between your audience and business partners, choose your audience. Shills are dime a dozen. So, not to worry, call em how you taste em. Better to be a Parker than a Maroni.
Wonderful tasting with admirable honesty. You and Konstantin are my go to channels for wine reviews and he did something similar with champagne and English sparkling recently.
If nothing else this video has made me want to search out and try more Nero d’Avola. I’ve had only wines at the lower end of the price range up until now which admittedly were very enjoyable. Maybe I should keep drinking at that price point🤷🏻♂️
Thanks so much! The grape is very interesting at higher price points but does well on the cheaper range indeed.
This kind of stuff is honestly gold. It's what keeps your channel honest. Having your viewers trust is much more important than samples from an importer. Besides your face was hilarious... XD
Thanks so much, it was a lot of fun
Love your honesty! It's worth everything.
Wow thanks a lot!
Love how you never compromise! Recently had a very similar thing, where the most expensive wine placed 6th out of 7😅
It does happen! Was it a big German wine tasting?
@@drmatthewhorkey it was one, that I did for my channel, where I was investigating a 10€ wine, that James Suckling scored 95 Points. That I had to put to the test and hide it amongst 6 others of the same grape in a blind tasting 😅
Geiles Video, Alter. 😁
Ouch! I'm definitely a fan of Nero d'Avola as well. I tend to enjoy it with a bit more age. Sitting on a bunch of them.
Ahhh nice, the Donnafugata??
@@drmatthewhorkey Fortunately not. Think I have one of those. 🤣 Have a number of the 2016 Don Michele Etna Contrada Mognazzi. Actually more Nerello in that one.
@@AttorneySomm Yes, Nerello Mascalese indeed!
Absolutely loved your reaction man😂😂😂. Could not stop laughing. Such a genuine disgust about this misjudgment you had on your face 😂. What makes it even funnier is that you rated it 4.3 on Vivino a few years back. But that’s the beauty of blind tastings 😅.
hahahah, when I went back and edited it I also laughed at my face. Thanks a lot, that's blind tasting for you!
Thanks for being honest and transparent by still posting this video. Maybe 5 years is still too early to really appreciate the Donnafugata? Glad you found a bargain, though. I had now idea they had 40,000 acres under vine. Wow! Oh, and look who's back: ua-cam.com/video/HareEFgTVqI/v-deo.html
No problem, that’s what these tastings are about. I learn just as much as viewers do and yes I saw the GV video!
Really appreciate you sharing this honest tasting here! This is just how it goes sometimes :). And, admittedly, I consider myself a fan of Mille E Una Notte. I've enjoyed it twice in a restaurant and paired it with a variety of delicious Italian dishes, it was a great experience! Now I need to try that Petraio!
It has showed better in the past for me (although tasted not blind).
All I can say is "Hooray!" I love to see that a higher price does not necessarily indicate better flavors! I thank you, so much, for your honesty! It would be terrible, if the only people who could experience wonderful wines are the very wealthy, so anytime the underdog wine tastes the best, it is reason to celebrate! I should think that any vintner would be thankful for honesty, as it can help to guide them to refine their processes for better taste. Now, I can't wait to try it, myself!
Nero d’Avola is a grape that can make some delicious wines at all price points
Outstanding as always Matthew. Love your blinds! Thank you for turning me on to a new varietal and keep up the great work.
Thanks for checking it out!
I always knew Mille E Una Notte was a mediocre wine, even without tasting it 😅
While it has never blown me away in the past but other vintages usually show a lot better…
Nero D'Avola is really one of those wines that gives me a sense of place, since I traveled a few times to Sicily during the time I started to get into wines.
I really recommend producers like Morgante ( legendary status in Sicily ) and Gulfi ( big range and bio-dinamic ).
Honestly, I'm not that surprised about Mille e Una Notte. I tried it a long time ago, was about to dismiss it but it opened up beutifully - the next day.
BTW, shocked at the 90 USD price tag, not even 8 years ago you could get it for 40-ish EUR. Craaaazy....
I like those other two producers too and also the Siccagno from Occhipinti and the Santa Cecilia from Planeta but couldn't get more NdA samples...
This honestly made me like this channel so much more. Already good of course.
Ahhh enjoy the good stuff coming up
You are the coolest sharing this video, talking about integrity.
While other videos introduce a broader variety of wines, I love this three bottle comparison. It’s probably also the mist nerve-wrecking for you.
Ahhh thanks so much. I like doing both styles of videos.
Your passion for the subject is infecteous.
Great video. That’s the power of blind tasting. Palates are so subjective. If I was to take away anything from that tasting is based on those three wines Producers of that grape maybe on par and price is based on some other factors.
Palates are very very different ans everyone has their prefernces indeed.
these wineries should pay you a fortune for what you do for them ! youve acquainted me with wines i would never experienced if not for you! thank for for your time and know how
Wooooww thanks so much!
Love these kinds of videos with the unexpected twist
Hahaha thanks!
I love the honesty too, you could’ve edited this vid or not even posted it 😊 props to you 👍🏼 and it really does prove 2 points, #1 that price doesn’t necessarily equal quality and #2 a persons own definition of “quality,” ie “which one is the best” is a very subjective judgement call, neither right nor wrong 😊 the mantra that is the bedrock of the world of wine? “drink what you like” 🙌🏼 🍷 cheers
Taste is sooooo subjective!!! Thanks a lot
RIP your samples but Thank you so much for the content. Really interesting. The wine lovers will really apreciate it.
Thank you!
Great video and great integrity to post it knowing it might upset some people!
Thanks a ton!
Loved the tasting, and think it's very useful. I had Nero d'Avola here and there, and though it's never bad, it never wows me as well.
Your importer shouldn't stop sending you samples. He should come to the channel and bring light to what makes this wine special.
I had a delicious cheap Donnafugatta Nero d'Avola some time ago. They shouldn't be mad about one tasting.
Ahhh thanks! yes Donnafugata is big enough that one little video shouldn't hurt their sales hahaha
When I am invited to dinner and the occasion doesn't warrant an 80 dollar wine, due to attendance of new wine drinkers, and I don't have access to wines that I am familiar with, I usually grab a couple bottles of $10 to $15 Italian wine. They are pretty consistently drinkable, and on many occasions, I have been presently surprised. If Italian is unavailable, I always feel safe with one of Charles Smith's varieties from Washington State. Especially if I'm limited to what's in the grocery store. I have been increasing my wine knowledge from videos like on this channel and a couple of others that I trust.
That is a good strategy, esp with Italy and C Smith’s entry level stuff
@@drmatthewhorkey Thank you.
Great tasting as always. Interesting to see the results. I need to get a little more familiar with this grape.
Thanks and yes it’s worth checking out
Mille e Una Notte was the wine that brought me to this world. The first time I tasted really great wine and I was in awe. I couldn't believe a wine could taste like that. It was in 2012 and every year I try to drink a bottle of it -I still have one in my cellar. Almost 10 years later I met the international marketing chief for Tenuta Sette Ponti and he introduced me to SAIA, which became one of my favorite reds at this price range.
Ahhh nice, I had the 12' as well and actually was just at the Sette Ponti estate two weeks ago...
@@drmatthewhorkey Cool. I met him in LA, but I'm going to Italy in two weeks. Won't be able to go Tuscany this time around, but I'll get to visit Taurasi and Montefalco.
Very entertaining! Funny watching this blind tasting!
Glad you liked it!
Wow, but loved the honesty. As far as Nero d'Avola, I've always been more partial to the other Sicilia red, Nerello Mascalese. But admittedly, maybe I just haven't tried enough Nero d'Avola.
Totally understand! You'll see some Nerello Mascalese coming up in a future video.
It’s happens… who never brought a bottle of expensive wine thinking it would be brilliant, and got crushed by a cheaper one ? That’s the beauty of the wine business ! I like Nero d’avila specially in that 13 us price point ! I think they are perfect with pizza or lasagna ! Cheers !!!
Ohhhhh they are good pizza and lasagne wines for sure!
I have had Nero a couple of times. One was clearly a mass-produced wine and it was like cough syrup. The second was a higher-end one and I was not impressed. It was OK, but for the $, there were better options. Loved the video as always
Thanks! Often cheap ones can be very crappy IMO
Will grab a bottle of Saia , $24 Canadian where im at so about $18usd 😮
A heckuva wine at that price!!!!
Good work on keepin it honest chief!
Thanks TB!!
Hehe nice! Fun to see this swap. Especially with Donnafugata, as their Tancredi 2017 is on my list of top wines I've ever had (multiple times). Did not tried this one though - but looks like not a good value.
Thanks, Tancredi is a delicious rich red that is always a crowd pleaser
I have had both Nero d'Avola and Negroamaro and couldn't really see much difference until I ran into a Nero d'Avola that had been made with an eye to quality. Wow. California needs to seriously consider this grape, it's a climate change thing y'know. This tasting showed me that more expensive wines need more cellar time. I was not nearly as surprised as you were since European wines do this much more than California does, at least in my experience.
I think there are a few producers in California working with the grape. I know that some Aussies have taken it on.
Again, enjoyed your video a lot. As is often the case....the truth is IN the bottle.
Ahhh thanks and you are correct!
This is just more proof that there is no guarantee the most expensive wine is going to be your favorite. It's disingenuous to hype up wines you don't really care for just because they're expensive. I'm glad you stayed true and posted this despite the outcome!
Price is no surefire indicator of wine quality, you are right. There are so many other factors that contribute to price.
Ouch! 😂 will look out for the Petraio in Oz 🍷Love a good Nero
There are some people growing it down there in Oz right?
@@drmatthewhorkey absolutely, some great examples of the varietal in its natural state. Can be so different though, my first Aussie Nero crush was Brash Higgins. Can’t remember the vintage.
The $6 Nero d’Avila at TJ’s is good for a daily drinker. I was at a Bordeaux tasting at a local wine shop, and for $120 +/- per bottle they didn’t hold a candle to a $40 Chateau Gloria I’ve had. Price doesn’t necessarily mean better..
Château Gloria is delicious and yes, there are soooo many factors that go into the price of wine, not simply quality
Great tasting. I need to try some Nero d'Avola!
Yes, it can be found at great price points too.
Hi Matthew, very interesting blind tasting, sometimes the wines just underdelivers, a few months ago had a 20 USD bottle beatten by a 5 USD, some producers think that with prestige is enough but the wine is not according to their price point.
On a side note, this series of expensive vs cheap blind tastings reminded me a video I saw, where a cooker buys three bottles of wine to prepare a wine reduction sauce, he prepared sauces with a 1 USD, 20 USD and using a first grouth, also doing a blind tasting with them, since the cooker isn't a wine educated person, he has some interesting insights, I think you will enjoy the video and also will be a great video reaction, here is the Link to the video.
ua-cam.com/video/QlOFb452XNU/v-deo.html
Ahhh interesting stuff! You are right, the proof is in the pudding (or glass).
Yep, we tested a 5€ Chardonnay from just „Pays D‘oc“ against a 25€ Chablis and we (5 people, not unexperienced with wine) could not find any difference. The 5€ one just had a bit of a strange smell. But otherwise exactly the same.
Have you ever had an Alicante Bouchet mix? I've only had one pure alicante but I thought it was pretty good, and incredible how dark it is.
A lot, as a teinturier grape it has dark flesh which makes the wines darker. Mouchão is the reference for me
Speaking of Syrah-Nero D'Avola comparisons, I tried a Sicilian Syrah recently (Cantine Fina Syrah) and it was wonderful - cheap too, I think it was around £15.
Niceee price point in the UK!
I too had a problem with this varietal. The few I had seemed flat and uninteresting. My ears perked when I heard Giacomo Tachis. It's disappointing his wine didn't show well today. I was hoping another find, like Mariano Garcia did with Aalto.
Past vintages have shown better to me (but again that was not blinded). Tachis is responsible for a lot of great, modern Italian wine but I didn't want to go on and on hahaha
Gulfi makes some of the best Cru Nero d’Avola. Maybe you can do a vertical.
I agree they are excellent… Unfortunately I couldn’t get samples for this video
Oh, Nero d'Avila can definitely stand on it's own!
It can indeed!
I can't help but wonder if the Donnafugata was too tight, flawed, or just not ready. Obviously, I'm not saying anything you don't know, but last week I opened a wine you turned me onto, the 2016 Caparsa Caparsino Riserva, and it showed really poorly at dinner. It didn't seem tight or flawed, just not good. I put me tail between my legs, corked it and brought it home. Two days later, it was phenomenal! Wine is crazy! If you ever decide to decant or open the Donnafugata, can you do a follow up on the wine?
It very much could be. Thanks for sharing your story about Caparsa… Hand crafted wine is so fickle and delicate. I think I’ll open Donnafugata and comment back here after a few days.
Two days after opening and my bottle just not showing that well
@@drmatthewhorkey Well that's a shame. At least you gave the wine every chance to show its stuff. It was a entertaining and "revealing" tasting on many levels. As you say, that's the power of blind tasting. I appreciate the follow up comment. And I, like everyone else here has commented, really appreciate your integrity. You have made us dedicated followers of your channel.
Good on you for posting this. More wine fans should blind taste and see how much money you’re throwing away.
Thanks! People do buy wines for a lot more reasons than just the taste/quality though…
Don't feel too bad about this one, from what I've heard it happens to everyone sometimes. I have tried Nero d'Avola a few times, but since I have mainly tried entry level ones I haven't been blown away yet. As to inexpensive wine besting iconic wines that's a tough call. I know that I don't always enjoy a winery's top wine or cuvee, as they are sometimes over oaked or over extracted trying to mimic other classic regions wines rather than showcasing local terroir or cultivars.
Thanks... I don't feel bad as this happens a lot in blind tastings. I see it often and it just confirms that blind tasting is TOUGH
Awesome! 😂 you just never know. Just b/c it has the name and price tag doesn’t always mean it’s the best or tastiest!
Agreed! But admittedly there are a lot of other factors to why people buy a bottle of wine, not just quality.
Maybe 2018 is a weak vintage in Sicily and 2020 is very strong?
Maybe Sicily shows vintage variation more than some other areas? I really need to start trying more from Sicily.
Sometimes it’s just how the cork crumbles…
im wondering if this wine is worth aging> not familiar with is grape
It can age nicely in the medium term!
Have you tried the Vegetable Cleaner trick for the glasses?
Not yet as microfiber and hot water have been working well!
I mistook the Saia for Salta when I saw the thumbnail 😂. I though we where going to compare Malbec. Haven’t had much Neto d’Avola.
Ahhh maybe it's worth checking out for you!
@@drmatthewhorkey I will when I can fit more wine.
What did you score the Petraio?
91 on my notepad, I was too taken back by the whole process to say on video ahhaha good catch
Well i had wine that i 100% disliked and then one time i just enjoyed it.
Or the other way around aswell.
Maybe your mood/atmosphere and pairing plays all together sometimes.
Personal neurology (state) has a huge role in taste, you are right
Dollar tree palate 😂
hahahhahaha
thats why we do it blind lol.
Hahahah, word…
If you ever have to choose between your audience and business partners, choose your audience. Shills are dime a dozen. So, not to worry, call em how you taste em. Better to be a Parker than a Maroni.
Maroni hahahahhaha