In the 1990s, the Milazzo winery was among the first to believe that Nero d’Avola could become a great age-worthy red, forever changing the destiny of high-quality Sicilian viticulture. This wine is a tangible example of that vision. We are in the countryside of Campobello di Licata, in the province of Agrigento, where the landscape almost resembles an African mirage. Here, the vineyards of Azienda Agricola Milazzo sink their roots into a very distinctive soil, characterised by a strongly calcareous clay matrix. This white soil reflects sunlight, allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly without “overcooking”, while maintaining a surprising level of acidity despite Sicilian temperatures. Maria Costanza is a tribute to a historical figure of the Milazzo family, a woman who embodies the elegance and determination needed to cultivate these demanding yet generous lands. Nero d’Avola, the production of this wine follows a meticulous philosophy. After fermentation in stainless steel with long macerations on the skins to extract colour and polyphenols, the wine begins an important ageing journey. It rests for around 24 months in second- and third-passage French oak barriques, before completing its maturation with at least a further two years in bottle before release. Deep ruby red, almost impenetrable, with reflections tending towards garnet; on the nose it is a triumph of Mediterranean scrub, sour cherry in spirit and ripe plum, alongside evolved notes of cocoa, sweet tobacco and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate it is a true force of nature. The tannins are present but silky, like a tailored garment enveloping the palate. The finish is extremely long, with returning notes of dark fruit and an endless spicy nuance. Thanks to its powerful structure and skilful use of oak, it can age gracefully for 10 to 15 years, becoming increasingly velvety and complex. At the table, it seeks bold companions. It pairs beautifully with rich red meats, even a roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and potatoes.