Island Strong Spirit
Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola
Born under the scorching Sicilian sun, I carry the volcanic heat and the Mediterranean breeze in my veins. If you're looking for a dark, brooding companion who knows how to party like an Italian, pick me.
Born under the scorching Sicilian sun, I carry the volcanic heat and the Mediterranean breeze in my veins. If you're looking for a dark, brooding companion who knows how to party like an Italian, pick me.
Born under the scorching Sicilian sun, I carry the volcanic heat and the Mediterranean breeze in my veins. If you're looking for a dark, brooding companion who knows how to party like an Italian, pick me.
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Sun-Loving Reds
Body
Big & Bold
Tannins
Pillowy Presence
Acidity
Vibrant Balance
Sugar
Savagely Dry
Why you'll like me
Why you'll like me
I'm bold
I'm spicy
I'm reliable
You'll love me because I don't do things halfway. I bring a boldness that fills the room, yet I have enough acidity to keep things fresh, not flabby. I'm like that reliable friend who brings the best steaks to the BBQ and stays late to help clean up. Whether young and fruity or aged and complex, I always deliver a punch of Sicilian passion.
You'll love me because I don't do things halfway. I bring a boldness that fills the room, yet I have enough acidity to keep things fresh, not flabby. I'm like that reliable friend who brings the best steaks to the BBQ and stays late to help clean up. Whether young and fruity or aged and complex, I always deliver a punch of Sicilian passion.
You'll love me because I don't do things halfway. I bring a boldness that fills the room, yet I have enough acidity to keep things fresh, not flabby. I'm like that reliable friend who brings the best steaks to the BBQ and stays late to help clean up. Whether young and fruity or aged and complex, I always deliver a punch of Sicilian passion.
Why maybe not
I'm hot
I'm biting
I'm intense
Sometimes I get a little too hot-headed. Since I love the sun so much, I can get pretty high in alcohol if my growers aren't careful, leaving you with a bit of a headache. Also, if I'm treated roughly in the cellar, my tannins might bite back harder than you'd like. I demand a bit of respect, or else I turn into a rough peasant wine.
Sometimes I get a little too hot-headed. Since I love the sun so much, I can get pretty high in alcohol if my growers aren't careful, leaving you with a bit of a headache. Also, if I'm treated roughly in the cellar, my tannins might bite back harder than you'd like. I demand a bit of respect, or else I turn into a rough peasant wine.
When drinking, notice this
Deep color
Spicy kick
Full body
Look for a deep, dark ruby color that almost looks black in the glass. When you take a sip, expect a full body that coats your mouth with rich dark fruit flavors. There is almost always a distinct spicy kick at the end, kind of like a cracked black pepper or sweet chili note. I balance that weight with a zap of acidity that keeps me lively.
Look for a deep, dark ruby color that almost looks black in the glass. When you take a sip, expect a full body that coats your mouth with rich dark fruit flavors. There is almost always a distinct spicy kick at the end, kind of like a cracked black pepper or sweet chili note. I balance that weight with a zap of acidity that keeps me lively.
Look for a deep, dark ruby color that almost looks black in the glass. When you take a sip, expect a full body that coats your mouth with rich dark fruit flavors. There is almost always a distinct spicy kick at the end, kind of like a cracked black pepper or sweet chili note. I balance that weight with a zap of acidity that keeps me lively.
They also call me
Calabrese
MY LIFE STORIES
The Black of Avola
The Black of Avola
The Black of Avola
I was born in the southeast corner of Sicily, specifically near the town of Avola. For centuries, locals called me "Calabrese," which confused everyone into thinking I was from Calabria across the strait. I'm not. It was actually a dialect twist on "Calea-Aulisi," meaning "Grape of Avola." Eventually, the world caught on and started calling me by my proper name, "Black of Avola." I'm the undisputed king of Sicilian reds, and I wear my crown with pride. My roots go deep into this soil, absorbing the history and heat of the island.
I was born in the southeast corner of Sicily, specifically near the town of Avola. For centuries, locals called me "Calabrese," which confused everyone into thinking I was from Calabria across the strait. I'm not. It was actually a dialect twist on "Calea-Aulisi," meaning "Grape of Avola." Eventually, the world caught on and started calling me by my proper name, "Black of Avola." I'm the undisputed king of Sicilian reds, and I wear my crown with pride. My roots go deep into this soil, absorbing the history and heat of the island.
From Bulk to Star
From Bulk to Star
From Bulk to Star
For a long time, I was the secret weapon for wimpier wines in France and Northern Italy. Merchants would buy my juice in bulk to add color and alcohol to their thin blends. I was the "cutting wine" that gave them a spine. It was a bit insulting, honestly. I knew I had star power. Finally, in the late 20th century, winemakers decided to let me shine on my own. Now, I don't need to prop up anyone else. I stand center stage, showing the world that Sicily can produce world-class elegance.
For a long time, I was the secret weapon for wimpier wines in France and Northern Italy. Merchants would buy my juice in bulk to add color and alcohol to their thin blends. I was the "cutting wine" that gave them a spine. It was a bit insulting, honestly. I knew I had star power. Finally, in the late 20th century, winemakers decided to let me shine on my own. Now, I don't need to prop up anyone else. I stand center stage, showing the world that Sicily can produce world-class elegance.
A Perfect Marriage
A Perfect Marriage
A Perfect Marriage
While I can be a heavy hitter, I also have a softer side. I love hanging out with my lighter, floral buddy, Frappato. Together we make the only DOCG wine in Sicily, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. He brings the perfume, and I bring the muscle. It's the perfect marriage. Whether I'm solo or part of a duo, I capture the essence of the Mediterranean. I'm warmth, history, and a touch of volcanic fire in a bottle. You can taste the ocean breeze and the dry earth in every glass.
While I can be a heavy hitter, I also have a softer side. I love hanging out with my lighter, floral buddy, Frappato. Together we make the only DOCG wine in Sicily, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. He brings the perfume, and I bring the muscle. It's the perfect marriage. Whether I'm solo or part of a duo, I capture the essence of the Mediterranean. I'm warmth, history, and a touch of volcanic fire in a bottle. You can taste the ocean breeze and the dry earth in every glass.
REGIONS I LEAD
REGIONS I HELP
Calabria
Kicking Italy's map into the Mediterranean, this rugged peninsula is shedding its bulk-wine past faster than you can say spicy sausage. It focuses heavily on ancient heritage, reviving indigenous heroes that date back to when Greeks ran the show.
Kicking Italy's map into the Mediterranean, this rugged peninsula is shedding its bulk-wine past faster than you can say spicy sausage. It focuses heavily on ancient heritage, reviving indigenous heroes that date back to when Greeks ran the show.
McLaren Vale
Imagine dipping your toes in the ocean while holding a glass of world-class Grenache. That is the vibe here. This spot blends beach life with serious viticulture, offering a laid-back approach to premium winemaking.
Imagine dipping your toes in the ocean while holding a glass of world-class Grenache. That is the vibe here. This spot blends beach life with serious viticulture, offering a laid-back approach to premium winemaking.
SUB-REGIONS I LEAD
Vittoria
(
Sicily
)
While the rest of Sicily screams power, this corner whispers elegance. Famous for red sandy soils that look like Mars, it births the island's only DOCG, a killer duet between Nero d'Avola and Frappato.
While the rest of Sicily screams power, this corner whispers elegance. Famous for red sandy soils that look like Mars, it births the island's only DOCG, a killer duet between Nero d'Avola and Frappato.
Menfi
(
Sicily
)
Located on the breezy southern coast, this area proved that Sicily could beat France at its own game. It is a playground where international heavyweights hold hands with indigenous stars under the Agrigento sun.
Located on the breezy southern coast, this area proved that Sicily could beat France at its own game. It is a playground where international heavyweights hold hands with indigenous stars under the Agrigento sun.
SUB-REGIONS I HELP
WINE STYLES I LEAD
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