Meet Nero d’Avola – ‘the King of Sicily’ and one of the Mediterranean’s most regal red wines. Sicily is a food and wine paradise that is located at the ‘toe of Italy’s boot’. With a booming wine culture, Sicily is full of indigenous grape varieties. A crossroads between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Sicily has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish and the French in everything from architecture to wine.
The King of Sicily
Nero d’Avola is one of the Mediterranean’s most regal red wines. It is an indigenous grape variety dating back thousands of years. The name ‘Nero d’Avola’ describes both the grape and the place it is from. Nero, is the Sicilian word for ‘black’ and Avola is a town in Sicily where the grape is still grown today.
Ranging in styles, many modern winemakers in the region are winning accolades for the elegance and drinkability of the grape. Nero d’Avola can be easy going and fresh when made in stainless steel, or it can be extremely rich, velvety and deep when oak aged. Both styles of Nero d’Avola tend to have soft aromatic notes of floral and spice on the bouquet and pair well with food.
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Sicilia DOC
Look for the stamp of ‘Sicilia DOC’ on your bottles of Nero d’Avola. Officially recognized in 2011, it was the first organization to promote and preserve the island’s indigenous grape varieties.
Organic Wines
Dedicated to organic agricultural production, you’ll find many bottles carry an organic certification. Many Vineyards are located on hillsides which exposes the grapes to the Sicilian winds fostering a unique environment for fascinating wines.
Also, if you prefer white wine, get to know a grape named ‘Grillo’, it is one of the most important white indigenous grapes of Sicily. The taste profile of Grillo can range from fresh and light to aromatic and structured. Take a walk through the LCBO and find the Curatolo Arini Grillo for a great example of something refreshing and delicious.
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See also: The Ideal Wine Temperature
Food Pairings
Lastly, serve Nero d’Avola at 16 – 18°C for the perfect temperature. Try uncorking a bottle and pairing it with savoury, subtly spiced dishes. Charcuterie, antipasti dishes, grilled and roasted meats, medium-aged cheeses and mushroom risotto are always a great option. A common local food pairing with Nero d’Avola and Grillo is swordfish. Head to your local fish market to find one for a fun food and wine dinner experience.
Looking to give Nero d’Avola a taste? Try the Cusumano Sicilia DOC Nero d’Avola 2020 or the Messer del Fauno Nero d’Avola 2020) at the LCBO.
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