2011 Poggio Anima ‘Asmodeus’ Sicily IGT

b8raa

In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two demons of prostitution. Asmodeus is the offspring of the relationship between Naamah and Adam. Of all of the varietals of Italy, Nero d’Avola is as lustful and pleasurable as it gets. Rich, peppery and opulent. It has many of the same characteristics of Syrah and is the most important grape of Sicily.

Until the 1980s, commercial use of Nero d’Avola was dedicated almost exclusively to fortifying weaker reds in France and northern Italy. In the past Nero d’Avola, like other Sicilian reds, was often syrupy, with an alcohol content reaching 18%. New viticulture techniques and night harvesting –placing the grapes in cooled vats to prevent premature fermentation– have been used by a few vintners to retain flavor without producing an overpowering wine. The result is often compared to Syrah.

The vineyards are located in central Sicily, in the province of Caltanissetta, at about 1,600 feet above sea level. The altitude, together with the distance from the sea, provides for excellent diurnal variety where the warm Sicilian sun is alternated with fresh, cool evenings, ensuring great condition for ripening the grapes. The vines are planted south facing following the vertical trellis system on sandy and clay rich soil using guyot pruning.

The vinification is pretty straightforward: De-stemming and maceration for 12 – 15 days at 77 degrees with frequent delestage. Soft press and vinification in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. The wine was aged in second year French and American oak for 6 months.

  • Region: Sicily IGT
  • Varietal: 100% Nero d’Avola
  • Vintage: 2011
  • Vine Age: 33 years old
  • Yield: 2.7 tons per acre
  • Soil Type: Clay with Sand
  • Oak: 6 months in one year old French & American barrique
  • Production: 1,500 cases

Ixel Balamke

Ixel Balamke was one of the two founding members of Sekhet-Bast-Ra in Oklahoma City. Currently living in the Twin Cities, she is currently the LBM of Leaping Laughter Lodge. She also is a Meanad and lover of fine wines. Her life long partner Hunahpu and she are well known for their Wine Tastings at NOTOCON. Together they have a small wine cellar that currently holds over 300 bottles.

One Comment

  1. and am building a wsbtiee with the same name and have a forum as well. My goal is to support mothers, any mother. Breastfeeding or not. Any and all amounts of breastfeeding and breastfeeding attempts are encouraged and supported without judgment. We don’t know what path someone has had to take, we can only see our perspective and it is undeniably limited.(((hugs)))I’ll be sharing your post on The Leaky B@@b Facebook page, you have a very touching story.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *