Cork & Quill Log No.10

Jul 15

The Devil You Know: Asmodeus in Sicilia

Wine: Poggio Anima "Asmodeus"
Grape: 100% Nero d’Avola
Region: Sicily (Sicilia DOC), Italy
Vintage: 2021 (confirm if different)
Vibe: Bold | Juicy | Devilishly smooth
Mood Pairing: Date-night fire, red sauce soul food, passionate debate over vinyl

🍷 Tasting Notes

“Asmodeus” may nod to a demon, but it drinks like divine trouble.
This is classic Nero d’Avola—plush black cherry, spiced plum, sun-dried herbs, and just the right kiss of tobacco and vanilla. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and zippy acidity, it finishes juicy but dry, earthy but lifted.

There’s an undercurrent of volcanic ash and dark fruit—like biting into something forbidden and liking it too much.

It’s sultry, playful, and pairs best with a little chaos on the table.

Technical Sheet

Alcohol: 13%

Farming: Sustainable / Minimal intervention

Fermentation: Stainless steel

Aging: Stainless steel, no oak

Body: Medium

Tannins: Smooth, soft-grip

Acidity: Medium-high (fresh and food-friendly)

Sweetness: Dry

Serving Temp: 60–65°F

Vegan: Yes

Importer: Vine Street Imports

🍽️ Food Pairing

You want heat, herbs, and depth on the plate:

Spicy jerk chicken thighs + roasted plantains
BBQ glazed meatballs with rice and peas
Eggplant parm or red pepper pasta
Lamb burgers with mint yogurt
Charred okra + tomato stew

At S.X. House, we’d serve it with:
🔥 Smoked oxtail ragu over hand-rolled gnocchi with scotch bonnet oil drizzle

🎶 Sonic Seasoning

A wine with edge, rhythm, and a little funk needs a playlist to match:

Erykah Badu – “Didn't Cha Know”
Anderson .Paak – “Come Down”
Sade – “The Sweetest Taboo”
Solomon Burke – “Cry to Me”
The Internet – “Special Affair”

Let the beat be low, the bass be bold, and the vibe be unbothered.

🪶 Reflection (Quill Section)

“Asmodeus” is named after the demon of desire—but what’s poured here is more about intensity without shame. It’s a reminder that not all darkness is to be feared—some is meant to be savored.

🍇 Let this bottle remind you: there’s power in leaning into your full flavor. Sweetness, spice, shadow—all of it belongs.

Jessica Khouri