NERO D'AVOLA

Nero d'Avola, one of Sicily's most emblematic red grapes, has been winning over palates around the world with its versatility, elegance, and ability to produce high-quality wines. If you appreciate red wines with intense aromas, soft tannins, and a touch of spice, Nero d'Avola is a grape that deserves to be known and enjoyed.

Its Roots in Sicily and Millennia-Old Tradition

Nero d'Avola has its roots in Sicily, an Italian island with a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to ancient times. Its name derives from the city of Avola, located in the southeastern part of the island. Over the centuries, Nero d'Avola has perfectly adapted to Sicily's hot and sunny climate, becoming the most widely cultivated red grape in the region.

Distinctive Characteristics of its Wine

• Appearance

  • Color: The color of Nero d'Avola ranges from an intense ruby red to a deep purple red, depending on the wine's aging time.

  • Grape: Nero d'Avola grapes are medium-sized, with thin skin and a dark color.

• Aroma

  • Fruits: Typical Nero d'Avola aromas include ripe red fruits like cherry and blackberry, as well as dark fruits like plum and blueberry.

  • Spices: Notes of spices like black pepper, clove, and licorice are striking characteristics of Nero d'Avola, adding complexity and an exotic touch to the aroma.

  • Others: On some occasions, nuances of tobacco, chocolate, and even earthy notes can be perceived.

• Palate

  • Body: Nero d'Avola generally produces medium- to full-bodied wines with soft, velvety tannins.

  • Acidity: Nero d'Avola's acidity is moderate to high, contributing to the wine's fresh and balanced sensation.

  • Finish: The finish of Nero d'Avola is usually long and persistent, with the fruity and spicy flavors lingering for some time.

Versatility and Adaptability

Nero d'Avola is a grape that adapts very well to different climates and terroirs, which explains its presence in various wine regions around the world. However, it is in Sicily that it reveals its maximum expression, producing wines with unique and unmistakable characteristics. Furthermore, Nero d'Avola can be used both in the production of varietal wines (made with only one type of grape) and in blends with other varieties, such as Frappato and Syrah.

Highlighted Regions

• Sicily: Sicily is Nero d'Avola's most emblematic region, where it gives rise to iconic wines such as Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC.

• Other Regions: Nero d'Avola is also grown in other regions of Italy, such as Calabria and Puglia, as well as in countries like Australia, the United States, and Brazil.

Pairing

Nero d'Avola is an excellent companion for various dishes, thanks to its versatility and intensity of flavors.

• Pastas: Pastas with rich sauces, such as meat ragu and Bolognese sauce, pair very well with Nero d'Avola.

• Meats: Grilled or roasted red meats, such as lamb, veal, and barbecue, are great options to accompany Nero d'Avola.

• Pizzas: Nero d'Avola is a great option to accompany pizzas with intense flavors, such as pepperoni.

• Cheeses: Cured cheeses, such as Parmesan cheese and Pecorino cheese, are good options to pair with Nero d'Avola.