Agricola VINB Viaggio Ad Est 2023

Viaggio Ad Est – 'Journey to the East' – is Agricola VINB's pure Nero d'Avola from Chiaramonte in southeastern Sicily. This is Nero d'Avola at its most honest and approachable, showing what the grape can do when it's grown in the right place and handled with care.

VINB is a young project – the first vintage was 2022 – founded and run by two friends, Vittorio and Biagio. They farm four hectares biodynamically, working with local growers who share their commitment to quality over quantity. It's the kind of small-scale, hands-on winemaking that's becoming increasingly rare, and you can taste the care in every bottle.

Nero d'Avola is Sicily's most important red grape, and for good reason. It makes wines with depth, character, and enough structure to be interesting without being heavy. Viaggio Ad Est captures that perfectly – ripe dark fruit, a touch of herbs and spice, and that characteristic warmth that comes from the Sicilian sun, balanced by enough freshness to keep it lively.

Chiaramonte sits in the southeastern corner of Sicily, where the Mediterranean climate and limestone soils create ideal conditions for Nero d'Avola. The winemaking is straightforward – letting the grape express itself without interference, in line with their biodynamic philosophy.

This is the kind of wine that works just as well on a weeknight as it does at a dinner party. It's food-friendly, easy-drinking, and genuinely enjoyable. Pair it with pasta, grilled meats, pizza, or aged cheeses. Serve it at room temperature and don't overthink it – this is pure, honest Sicilian red at a great price.