Sporting a new and more contemporary label design showing a cute little nun with one of those wide Fellini-esque floppy habits, the 2017 Monreale Syrah La Monaca is a steady but also slightly whimsical expression. The mighty Rh?ne grape Syrah performs beautifully in the hot Sicilian climate, but it also tends to offer very Mediterranean notes of dark plum, dried cherry and sweet Italian herbs. I also catch a whiff of dried basil leaf. The wine is balanced, clean and would make a great pairing partner with veal involtini stuffed with ham, cheese and bay leaf. This wine ages in oak for 14 months. Some 14,000 bottles were made.