A Sicilian Variety Finds its Way to Australia

Nero d'Avola is a red wine variety from Sicily. It makes up most of that island's red wine vineyard.

The Nero in the name obviously refers to the colour of the grapes. d'Avola refers to the region of Avola on the southern part of Sicily where the variety produces some fine wines.

Although Nero d'Avola has an alternative name of Calabrese suggesting its origin on the neighboring mainland region it is doubtful if the variety was ever grown there.

Nero d'Avola in Australia

The variety is one of several from Southern Italy that are of interest to winemakers in warm to hot conditions. As more grapegrowers and winemakers become concerned about climate change they are increasingly looking for wine varieties from Southern Italian Regions rather than the cooler North.

Australian varietal pioneers Brown Brothers have released a Nero d'Avola 2006. They describe the wine thus

In the glass the wine shows a deep red brick colour. This savoury wine is full of dried herbs, spice and dark berry fruit flavours. On the palate the dark berry flavours are immediately recognizable and quickly combine with the earth savoury characters that define good Nero D’Avola

Nero d'Avola and Food

The Sicilian origin suggest some obvious food matches. A spaghetti puttanesca with a spicy tomato based sauce might be one match you could try, or perhaps grilled Italian sausages...