The Wine Reference🍷 SupportNero d'Avola grape
Nero d'Avola is a red grape known for plum, blackberry, pepper. Its best-known homes are Sicily.
Origin and history
Sicily's leading native red, named after the town of Avola in the island's south-east, where it has been grown for centuries.
Where it grows
Throughout Sicily, especially around Noto, Pachino and Vittoria, and in Sicilia DOC wines; small plantings in Australia and California.
Structure
Medium to full body, deep colour, fresh acidity and medium, smooth tannins.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: black plum, black cherry, blackberry, liquorice and black pepper. With age: dried fig, tobacco, leather and chocolate.
Ageing
Most best within 2–6 years; top oak-aged examples from Noto can age 10–15 years.
Also known as
Calabrese, Calabrese di Noto.
Good to know
Blended with Frappato it makes Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily's only DOCG wine.
Wine regions for Nero d'Avola
Nero d'Avola wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Sicily · Cerasuolo di Vittoria · Nero d'Avola, Frappato
Juicy and bright: red cherry, strawberry and gentle spice.
Food: Tuna, pasta alla Norma
Pianogrillo Curva Minore Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Sicily · Cerasuolo di Vittoria · Nero d'Avola, Frappato
Organic Sicilian blend: red berries and freshness.
Food: Tuna, pasta
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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