Cusumano Benuara from Sicily's Presti e Pegni estate blends 70% Nero d'Avola with 30% Syrah to deliver a wine bursting with aromas of wild blackberry, plum, cracked black pepper, and dried Mediterranean herbs. Dry and medium to full-bodied with polished tannins, it unfurls across the palate with luscious dark fruit and closes with a vibrant, spicy edge. Serve it slightly below room temperature or cellar it through 2030. Mario Ronco, the consultant winemaker from Piedmont, works with brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano using sustainably grown grapes from the warm, powerful terroir of Monreale near Palermo, where the family established their winery in 2001 and quickly rose to become the number one Sicilian wine brand in the United States. Pair this juicy red with slow-braised beef stew where its bold fruit and gentle tannins will embrace the rich, savory flavors, or enjoy it with grilled lamb chops rubbed with rosemary as the wine's herbal notes beautifully echo the aromatic meat.

Syrah Nero d’Avola food pairings: slow-braised beef stew, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, aged Pecorino cheese.