Enza la Fauci, Obli Faro 2013

Enza la Fauci Obli Faro 2013 is a rare, characterful red from Sicily’s tiny and historic Faro DOC, perched on the island’s north‑eastern tip overlooking the Strait of Messina. Crafted from a traditional blend led by Nerello Mascalese, with Nerello Cappuccio and Nocera in supporting roles, it captures the tension between mountain freshness and maritime warmth that defines this coastal appellation. This 2013 vintage, from a balanced and refined year, offers a nuanced expression of Faro’s old-vine heritage and its reborn reputation among Italian wine insiders.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Obli Faro 2013 shows a luminous medium ruby colour with garnet reflections at the rim, reflecting its decade of evolution while retaining notable brightness. The nose is layered and engaging, with wild red berries, ripe cherry and pomegranate, followed by dried roses, violets, Mediterranean herbs, liquorice, sweet spice and a subtle smoky, almost volcanic edge. On the palate, the wine is medium to medium‑full bodied, with a refined, linear structure. Juicy red and black cherry, wild strawberry and redcurrant interplay with notes of dried flowers, black tea, balsamic tones and a saline, mineral snap that speaks clearly of its coastal origins. The tannins are fine‑grained and silky yet still present, supported by a vibrant, refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lifted and precise. The finish is long and persistent, echoing with spice, herbs and a delicate savoury bitterness. While drinking beautifully now, especially from a well‑cellared bottle, this 2013 still has the structure and acidity to evolve further over the next 5–8 years, gaining even more tertiary complexity.

Production
The grapes for Obli Faro 2013 come from steep, terraced vineyards in the Faro DOC, facing the Strait of Messina and influenced by constant sea breezes and the cooling effect of nearby hills. The soils are predominantly sandy and calcareous with stony components, giving excellent drainage and lending a distinct mineral signature to the wine. Grown under sustainable, biodynamic‑inspired practices, the Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nocera are carefully hand‑harvested at optimal ripeness, often in small crates to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Each variety is vinified separately, with gentle fermentation aimed at extracting fine tannins and aromatic complexity rather than sheer power. After blending, the wine is aged for approximately 14–18 months in French oak barrels, where it gains texture and subtle spice, followed by further bottle ageing before release to harmonise the components and refine the bouquet.

Food & Serving
Obli Faro 2013 is a highly versatile gastronomic wine, pairing beautifully with dishes that echo its balance of elegance and savoury depth. Think slow‑roasted lamb with herbs, grilled or braised pork, game birds, Sicilian caponata, earthy mushroom risottos, or aged hard cheeses and semi‑firm sheep’s milk cheeses. It also works wonderfully with tomato‑based pasta dishes featuring olives or capers, and charcoal‑grilled tuna or swordfish for a more adventurous pairing. Serve at 16–18 °C in a Burgundy or large tulip‑shaped glass to showcase its aromatic detail. Decanting for 45–60 minutes is recommended, especially at this stage of maturity, to allow any initial reduction to blow off and to fully open the wine’s floral, herbal and balsamic nuances.

Producer
Enza la Fauci is a small, quality‑focused estate that has helped to rekindle interest in the historic but once nearly forgotten Faro DOC on Sicily’s north‑eastern coast. Working with steep, traditional terraces and native varieties, the estate has become a reference point for the modern revival of Faro, showing how Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nocera can express finesse, tension and terroir in a more maritime context than nearby Etna. With a strong emphasis on sustainable, often biodynamic‑leaning vineyard practices and artisanal, low‑intervention winemaking, Enza la Fauci has gained a quiet but devoted following among sommeliers and enthusiasts seeking distinctive, site‑driven Sicilian reds that combine elegance, perfume and age‑worthy structure.

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