Wine By Grape Variety | Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola is a red wine grape variety that has its origins on the Italian island of Sicily. It is a dark skinned grape of great historical importance and takes its present-day name from the town of Avola on the island's southeast coast. Historically, Nero d'Avola was used as a blending grape and the name of the variety very rarely appeared on wine labels. However, by the turn of the 21st Century Nero d'Avola had become increasingly popular in its own right and it has become common to find Nero d'Avola produced as a single varietal wine.

It has often been compared to the Syrah/Shiraz grape variety because it thrives in similar growing conditions and exhibits many similar characteristics.

The Nero d'Avola grape typically displays high tannins, medium acid and a strong body. However, it can also be very smooth if grown at higher elevations where cooler temperatures restrict the alcohol levels. It thrives on the eastern part of Sicily and is gaining popularity in countries such as Australia and California. Because of its generous colour, Nero d'Avola is sometimes produced as rosé wine.