Nero d’Avola is a red grape variety of the most famous Sicilian indigenous production. The Nero d’Avola grape was imported by the Greeks during their presence on the island, during which time they introduced a type of farming known as “low stump,” characterized by planted rows or small trees.
Decades on, wines containing Nero d’Avola are exported around the world as the vine gives the grapes strength and density. Wines containing high percentages of Nero d’Avola have strong character and determination.
Because of its quality, Nero d’Avola is used to cut medium-light wines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We find Nero d’Avola as an ingredient in various DOC and IGT wines and as a protagonist used in cutting the following varieties: Eloro, Marsala, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Bivongi, Sciacca, S. Margherita di Belice, County Sclafani, Delia Nivonelli, Sambuca di Sicilia, Countess Entellina, Alcamo.
Generally speaking, depending on the area of Sicilian origin, we can identify some distinguishing characteristics in the production of the Nero d’Avola wine itself: wines produced in the west have a higher concentration, edginess and aggression; centrally produced wines have a deeper perception of red fruits; and wines produced in the east, tend to be more refined, with a background of dried fruit.
Recently, many manufacturers have been working to produce wines combining Nero d’Avola with other varieties of flavor, and international unions have included Nero d’Avola – Syrah, Nero d’Avola – Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola – Merlot. The results have been truly elegant and surprising.
Nero d’Avola Wine Designation D.O.C.
The term D.O.C. stands for “Protected Designation of Origin” and is a mark that certifies, in addition to the area of origin of the variety, quality production and technology of bottling the wine that bears the mark. It is used to indicate a product renowned for quality, whose characteristics are related to the environment of origin and processing in respect of a specific rule adopted by Ministerial Decree.
Wines marked DOC, before being distributed under that mark, are subjected to chemical, physical and organoleptic certification that attest to the requirements of the disciplinary rules of production.
Recently, intra-brand DOC has established a higher category, for production and quality of grapes used, called the DOCG, “Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed”, where the word “Guaranteed” characterizes and distinguishes a wine.
Storia Territorio Ampelografia Proprieta Abbinamenti La doc.
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