Nero d'Avola

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Nero d'Avola
Species: Vitis vinifera
Also called: Calabrese (more)
Origin: Flag of Italy Sicily
Notable regions: Sicily

Nero d'Avola 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]

The inaccurate synonym Calabrese ("from Calabria") appears to be an Italianisation of "Calaurisi", a Sicilian dialect word meaning "grape of Avola".[3]

Contents

[edit] History

"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; however, its best samples are still produced in this part of Sicily due to excellent climate and soils.

[edit] Distribution and Wines

[edit] Italy

Whatever the relationship, Nero d'Avola is treated like Syrah, making mostly big, red wines with aging potential. It also gets made into a lighter style for younger drinking which might be compared to some of the New World Shiraz rosés. In the past, it was exported to quietly "beef up" wines from more northern climes but is now enjoying success as a proudly Sicilian variety.

[edit] Vine and Viticulture

The vine likes hot arid climates.

[edit] Synonyms

Calabrese D'Avola, Calabrese De Calabria, Calabrese Di Noto, Calabrese Dolce, Calabrese Pittatello, Calabrese Pizzuto, Calabriai Fekete, Nero D'Avola, Raisin De Calabre Noir and Struguri De Calabria [4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ www.winecountry.it
  2. ^ Robinson, Jancis Vines, Grapes & Wines Mitchell Beazley 1986 ISBN 1857329996
  3. ^ Gulfi Wines (Italian)
  4. ^ Maul, E.; Eibach, R. (1999-06-00). Vitis International Variety Catalogue. Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) of the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE), Deichmanns Aue 29, 53179 Bonn, Germany. Retrieved on 2007-04-15.

[edit] External links

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