A certified organic wine, the Gulfi 2018 NeroMàccarj is a bit softer and riper next to the NeroSanloré that is also Nero d'Avola from one of the most dynamic estates in Sicily. The wine shows medium-rich extraction with some density that comes from skin maceration along with plump tannins. It offers an opulent and immediately accessible approach with 6,400 bottles released.

Aged for two years in tonneaux, the Gulfi 2017 NeroMàccarj (made with organic fruit) shows rich intensity and lots of aromatic power despite the wine's contained fruit weight. Like other Sicilian reds from the hot and dry 2017 vintage, there is ample sweetness here and plenty of the fleshy, ripe fruit that characterizes this vintage. The NeroMàccarj is Nero d'Avola from a 2.5-hectare site with a mix of calcareous clay soils that allow for even fruit ripening. This release of 6,300 bottles would pair nicely next to a plate of breaded veal steak.

From a low-altitude, sea-facing vineyard site, the 2016 NeroMàccarj shows the ripe and succulent side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens to an inky dark appearance with aromas that are thick and broad, creating a tall wall of plummy black fruit. The wine is very immediate and impactful, and you don't need to do too much digging before you recognize all those broad-brush aromas on the bouquet. That bitterness that you sometimes get in the NeroSanloré does not appear here. Some 6,500 bottles were released.

The 2013 Sicilia Neromàccarj bursts open with dark fruit intensity, including dried cherry and blackberry confit. Like the other wines in this series of single-vineyard Nero d'Avola wines, this expression produces above-average density, darkness and richness. But the Neromàccarj also offers an elegant side that comes forth, thanks to the contained intensity and the firm delineation of its aromas. Smoke, tar and black olive appear on the close. The Maccari vineyard site is almost at sea level and has limestone, clay and rocky soils that are rich with organic matter. Only 3,200 bottles were made.

The 2011 Neromàccarj is the wine that, in my opinion, best encompasses the overall winemaking philosophy at Gulfi. Like the other Nero d'Avola selections presented, this wine boasts a super enriched and concentrated style. On top of black fruit and cherry marmalade, the bouquet offers Teriyaki, barbecue smoke and asphalt-like aromas. Neromàccarj presents a more balanced and complete picture because its large bulk is spread evenly in proportioned elements. In other words, the opulence of the bouquet is perfectly matched to the large footprint left on the finish.