If you ask any person what the most famous wine is from Sicily, then the answer will most likely be: “Marsala”. This is true: the drink, whose burgundy with a brown backing color is so fashionable in the season autumn 2018 - winter 2019, has also become a gastronomic “visiting card” of the island. But did you know that Marsala is blended wine? And one of its components is the variety Nero d'Avola? The wine made from berries exclusively of these vines will be discussed in this article.
The drink is called “Black from Avola”. Uncomplicated, but right to the point. This grape variety produces dark red, almost black berries. And the best crop is removed in the area near the town of Avola, in the southeast of the island of Sicily. And which wine is obtained from it? What brands and manufacturers are the most popular? What do experienced sommeliers and ordinary users say about Nero d'Avolo wines? Let's taste the drink in all its details.
A little about grape variety
It is believed that the first vines arrived in Sicily several centuries ago from mainland Italy, more precisely, from the very “sock” of the Apennine “boot”, the province of Calabria. Therefore, on the island of the variety "Nero d'Avola" a completely different name. Winemakers call it "Calabrese." Over several centuries, several subspecies of the variety were bred: Calabrese dolce, Calabrese pizzutello, Calabrese nero. This latter produces blue-black berries, round, slightly oval in shape, located very close to each other, forming large clusters.
Vines are very fond of the hot and arid climate of Sicily. They are resistant to diseases and the vagaries of the weather. From the sultry southern sun, berries gather a lot of sugars. Therefore, wine Nero d'Avola is not very acidic. But buyers also pay attention to this - it is characterized by great spirituality, for which the variety was included in the Marsala bouquet. At first it was cultivated only in Sicily. Then they began to grow it in continental Italy. With the popularization of Marsala, it began to be cultivated in other places, in particular, in California and Australia.
The path to fame
It's hard to believe, but until the 70s of the last century, Nero d'Avola simply had no fault. The variety was used as technical material. Winemakers added it to thinner, northern drinks to give them rich color and density. But then the masters began to produce dry rather than semi-sweet drinks. It turned out that Calabrese Nero has inexhaustible potential in this area. From these berries excellent both monosortovye and assembly wines are obtained. In reviews, it is often mentioned that “Nero d'Avolo” with “Shiraz”, “Cabernet Sauvignon” and “Merlot” give especially successful combinations. And then the finest hour of the "black calabrese" came.
Many winemakers in Sicily have increased the sowing of this vine. But it turned out that the best appellation is located near the town of Avola. A good terroir is also located in the Syracuse area, also in the south-east of the island. But in every region of Sicily, “Nero d'Avola” has its own character. Therefore, the wines from it are so different. Because of this, a different name now appeared on the island's variety - "Sicilian prince."
Brandy Teen, manufacturer Caviro
Today, vines for Nero d'Avola wine are allowed to be grown in 15 of the 23 regions of Sicily. As mentioned above, in each terroir the variety manifests itself in different ways. For example, in the west of the island, drinks will turn out to be more concentrated, characteristic, full-bodied. Many of those who bought wines from this region confirm this fact. In the central part of Sicily, mountains rise. The berries grown there have a fruity aroma. The most refined, refined wines are made in the east of the island.
We start our tasting with the most ordinary drinks of the low price segment. A striking example of this type is TINI Nero d'Avola, Sicilia IGT. This is a dry red wine with a strength of 12 degrees. The wine is one hundred percent made from the Nero d'Avolo variety. Where does it come from? Producer Caviro is buying crops everywhere in Sicily. This wine, according to customer reviews, has a dark ruby, close to black color, a rich bouquet with notes of jam and blackberry and a mild attractive taste. The drink will wonderfully complement red meat dishes. Buyers claim that it is tart, rich and not at all sour.
Wine Casa Velardi Nero d'Avola
This monosortovaya drink of vintage 2016 captivates with its low price (about 300 rubles without a share). Dry red wine has a strength of 13 degrees. The material - that is, the berries of the "black from Avola" variety - is bought by the manufacturer throughout Sicily. Wine, according to user reviews - light, pleasant, with a refreshing aroma and taste of wild berries. The color of the drink is dark ruby, almost black.
A variety of wild berries are felt in the bouquet, where the blackberry dominates. The taste of the drink is a little tart, absolutely sour, refreshing and pleasant. Some users find it not full-bodied and somewhat brackish, like house wines. The structure of wine is medium density. Users recommend this drink to be served with appetizers, fresh cheeses. There are those who claim that wine is good as an aperitif.
Chiaramonte
We turn to a more expensive sample of Sicilian wine Nero d'Avola. It also 100 percent consists of this variety. But his terroir is narrower. Harvest for Chiaramonte is grown on mountain terraces near Trapani at an altitude of 230 meters. Vineyards are located on clay soils. Earlier, until the 60s of the twentieth century, “black from Avola” was also used for the production of sweet fortified wines. But modern technology does wonders for sugar-rich berries. Now they get dry wines.
Chiaramonte left the old Sicilian drinks from Nero d'Avola with increased strength (14 degrees) and great aging potential (up to five years). This drink has a dark ruby color, and when you pour it into a glass, purple sparkles are visible along the edge. The bouquet of the wine is impeccable. Users experience the aromas of blackberries, plums, wild cherries, cloves, black pepper, dark chocolate, minerals and baked toasts. The taste of the wine is rich and elegant, with silky tannins. The drink will be a wonderful accompaniment of Italian cuisine, as well as middle-aged cheeses.
Folonari, Corposo Terre Siciliane
Nero d'Avola's fault is only 40 percent. The remainder are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (25% each) and Merlot. But each variety for this assembly is fermented in separate temperature-controlled containers. And then the blend is aged in a steel tank. Harvest for this wine is harvested not only everywhere in Sicily. The Folonari company owns land in Italy and even in Bulgaria. Due to the variety of terroirs, the manufacturer's assemblies are of high quality at a very affordable price.
According to sommelier in reviews of Terre Siciliane wine, Nero d'Avola gives the drink not only a dense ruby color, but also a dense body with a pleasant velvety texture and aroma of wild berries. In the bouquet, shades of oriental spices and plum jam are still audible. On the palate, we feel juicy fruits with pleasant tannins. The drink will be an appropriate accompaniment to fried meat and Mediterranean dishes.
Sedara (producer of Donnafugata)
Earlier we considered wines of the IGT category. It's time to savor the more aristocratic drinks marked with the DOC sign. The first in line is the Cedar. This wine is also assembled. Its composition and proportions fully coincide with the previous drink - Corpso Terra Siciliane. But unlike him, the harvest for Sedara is harvested exclusively in the south-east of Sicily, in the farm with the ancient winemaking history of Donnafugata. Vines grow in elevated areas at an altitude of 200 to 600 meters above sea level. The unique climate and clay-limestone soils allow berries to collect the right amount of sugars and tannins.
The color of the drink is not as black as that of 100% Nero d'Avola wine. In the reviews, users characterize it as a ruby red. The bouquet is dominated by blackberries and blueberries, seasoned with black pepper. The spicy-fruity taste of the drink is characterized by pleasant freshness and balanced tannin. The wine is recommended to be served uncooled with meat dishes. A good drink and pasta with various sauces, including white.
Gergenti (manufacturer Schenk)
Now let's start tasting another blend: "Nero d'Avola" »+" San Jovese ". The latter variety has been cultivated in Italy since ancient times. Despite the fact that Gergenti Nero d'Avola Sangiovese wine has the IGT category, it is by no means cheap. Yes, Schenk is based in the province of Trentino Alto Adige, in the northeast of continental Italy, and it purchases Nero d'Avola crops throughout Sicily. But the manufacturer is also responsible for exposure for six months.
The wine ripens in French oak barrels. The result is a drink with a strength of 13.5 degrees, dark ruby color. If you pour wine into a glass, the rim of the liquid should be garnet. The bouquet is dominated by fruity notes of plums, cherries and cherries, which are interwoven with shades of oak wood and sweet vanilla. Users characterize the taste as soft, enveloping, with berry nuances. Sommeliers are advised to serve a drink with meat dishes and snacks. Wine will also be appropriate for pasta and medium-aged cheeses. Sweet vanilla and oak notes in the taste allow it to be served with desserts.
Roccaperciata (producer of Firriato)
You think what wine to serve with real Italian pasta? Choose the Roccapperchiata! This wine from Nero d'Avola (Sicilia) will create the right atmosphere for a meal. Its strength is low, it is laid-back and light, like a Sicilian feast. Despite belonging to the IGT category, the wine terroir is rather narrow.
Harvested in the vicinity of Trapani at an altitude of 300 meters. Clay-limestone soils give berries the necessary amount of tannins and a taste of minerals in the taste. The rich ruby color of the drink, a rich and complex bouquet give true pleasure to gourmets. At least they say so themselves.
Lamuri Vintage 2009
The cost of a bottle of such wine, one hundred percent consisting of “black from Avola”, is about one and a half thousand rubles. And all because the vintage was harvested in an exceptionally favorable year. The drink, according to the sommelier, is harmonious, with a rich bouquet and taste, which combines the tones of cherries, blueberries and plum jam. The wine has a dark ruby hue and is the perfect complement to meat dishes, grilled lamb, as well as a cheese plate. Users note that the drink has a long finish - pleasant, with notes of cinnamon, mint and wild cherry.