| Nero d'Avola | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Also called | Calabrese (more) |
| Origin | Sicily |
| Notable regions | Sicily |
Nero d'Avola ("Black of Avola" in Italian) is "the most important red wine grape in Sicily"[1] and is one of Italy's most important indigenous varieties. It is named after Avola in the far south of Sicily and its wines are compared to New World Shirazes, with sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavours. It also contributes to Marsala blends.[2][3]
"The Black Grape of Avola" appears to have been selected by growers near Avola (a small town in south east Sicily) several hundred years ago. Initially, it was confined to the southern tip of the island but more recently has spread throughout the island.
The vine likes hot arid climates. The districts around Noto (above all Buonivini, Bufalefi and Maccari) and Pachino in the south of the province of Siracusa are reputed for the quality of their Nero d'Avola grapes.[3] The first American producer of Nero d'Avola is Chiarito Vineyards in Ukiah, California (Mendocino County.)