Cusumano Noa 2016

Cusumano Noa 2016 is a 750ml Sicilian red blend bottled at 15% ABV, composed of 40% Nero d'Avola, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon under the Sicilia DOC. The 2016 vintage earned a Silver medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards and carries an average score of 92.6 points across community reviews on CellarTracker, reflecting a wine of genuine depth and complexity from one of Sicily's most respected family producers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Sicily, Italy (Sicilia DOC)  |  Vintage: 2016  |  Producer: Cusumano

Production & Heritage

Cusumano is a family-run Sicilian estate with vineyards spread across several of the island's most expressive terroirs. For the Noa, all three grape varieties — Nero d'Avola, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon — are vinified separately with controlled-temperature fermentation at 28–30°C for 10 to 15 days, allowing each variety to express its individual character. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels, after which the wine rests for 12 months in a combination of oak botte and smaller barriques before an additional 12 months of bottle aging prior to release. This extended maturation protocol gives the Noa a level of integration and polish that separates it from many comparably priced Sicilian reds.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with concentrated blackcurrant and ripe sour cherry, followed by layers of noble spice, tobacco leaf, and cedar wood. Beneath those primary notes, hints of licorice and a subtle vanilla backdrop emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is dense and immediately fruit-forward, with blackberry jam and ripe red fruit coating the palate. At mid-palate, mocha and cocoa tones emerge alongside warm spicy sensations and a backbone of assertive, tightly wound tannins. Despite the 15% ABV, there is a balancing freshness that keeps the wine from feeling heavy.

Finish: The finish is long, chewy, and persistent, with lingering echoes of dark berry, coffee, and soft spice. Tannins are well-smoothed by the extended aging, leaving a velvety texture that invites another sip.

How to Drink Noa 2016

This wine is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (16–18°C) after 30 minutes of decanting to let its oak-derived layers open fully. It drinks beautifully on its own as a contemplative pour. For food-driven settings, consider these pairings over cocktails: alongside slow-braised lamb shanks where the wine's tannin structure mirrors the richness of the meat; with aged pecorino or parmigiano whose salty, crystalline texture contrasts the fruit density; or with grilled eggplant parmigiana, a classic Sicilian dish whose roasted char and tomato acidity complement the wine's spice and berry core.

Best For

• Gifting a wine enthusiast exploring premium Sicilian reds
• Anchoring a multi-course Italian dinner with robust main courses
• Cellaring for short-term aging to further soften tannins (drinking window through 2025–2027)
• Introducing international-varietal lovers to the character of Nero d'Avola blends

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Noa 2016 taste like? Noa 2016 delivers a dense, layered profile dominated by blackberry jam, mocha, tobacco, and ripe sour cherry, underpinned by assertive tannins and a long, spice-driven finish. The 12 months of barrel aging adds cedar and vanilla complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

How does Noa 2016 compare to Donnafugata Mille e Una Notte? Both are premium Sicilian reds built around Nero d'Avola, but Noa incorporates 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and international appeal, whereas Mille e Una Notte leans more heavily on Nero d'Avola for a distinctly indigenous profile. Noa typically sits at a more accessible price tier while still delivering notable concentration and aging potential.

Is Noa 2016 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its full body, integrated tannins, and complex aromatic layers make it an excellent candidate for slow, contemplative sipping after a brief decant. The 15% ABV provides warmth without aggression.

Where is Noa 2016 made? Noa is produced by Cusumano, a family-owned estate based in Sicily, Italy. The wine falls under the Sicilia DOC designation, drawing fruit from vineyards across the island's diverse microclimates.

What foods pair well with Noa 2016? Slow-braised lamb shanks complement its tannic grip; aged hard cheeses like pecorino Siciliano match its intensity; grilled sausages echo its spice notes; dark-chocolate desserts mirror the mocha and cocoa on the palate; and eggplant parmigiana provides a classic Sicilian regional pairing.

What sizes does Noa 2016 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Noa 2016 worth the price? Noa 2016 positions as a mid-to-upper-tier Sicilian red that punches above its weight, delivering the kind of concentration and extended oak aging typically associated with more expensive bottlings. Its Silver medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards and strong community scores suggest reliable quality for the investment.

Why Noa 2016?

What distinguishes the 2016 Noa is the meticulous separation of its three varieties throughout fermentation and malolactic conversion, followed by a full year of barrel maturation and another year in bottle before release — a level of patience uncommon at this price point in Sicily. The result is a wine where Nero d'Avola's ripe dark-berry generosity is reinforced by Merlot's plush mid-palate and Cabernet Sauvignon's structural backbone, all seamlessly knitted together by extended oak contact. A Silver medal from the Sommelier Wine Awards confirms its standing among well-made Sicilian blends. For drinkers seeking a serious, food-friendly Sicilia DOC red that rewards both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring, the 2016 vintage represents a compelling expression of what modern Sicilian winemaking can achieve.