Nero d'Avola

If you are a fan of full-bodied, dry reds likeSyrah and Cab Sauv, Nero d’Avola is something you may enjoy as well. This Sicilian grape sure deserves more recognition and should be taken more seriously! 

Nero d’Avola likes an arid climate and heat and is capable of being dry farmed. In the Sicily region ofItaly, many vineyards are built close to the ground, so they are more resistant to wind, which is what the grape prefers. In fact, that could be the reason that nearly all Nero d’Avola wine comes from Sicily! Of course, it also grows in some other places around the world, with the most notable beingCalifornia andSouth Australia thanks to the arid climate characteristics of these regions. 

The grape wasn’t widely known until the late 1990s when a few major wineries like Planeta, Curto and Donnafugata made a few single varietal wine bottles of Nero d’Avola, which turned into a huge success. The best part about the wine is the fact that despite some of the highest ratings, it’s still affordable.

Nero d’Avola is a full-bodied wine with high tannins that’s known for its fruit driven flavours that range anywhere from black cherry to sweet prune. The grape’s acidity is also known for its wide ranges, from being tart as a lemon to creamy like yogurt. As a rule of thumb, Nero d’Avola has moderately high acidity, with an alcohol content of 13.5%-14.5%. 

Just like many other full-bodied wines with robust tannin and moderate-to-high acidity, Nero d’Avola is an excellent match to rich BBQ'd meat. The gamier the meat, the fruitier and more candy- ike your wine will taste. You’d be surprised, but adding some cocoa powder, plum sauce and coffee spices can also enhance your experience. 

If you are a dry wine lover and looking for something interesting to try at dinner, buy Nero d’Avola at the ZYN liquor store in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or shop online at ZYN.ca!