Nero D’avola – Torretta Di Mondelli
IGP Red
Purchased: Sainsburys £9.49 (after 5% bulk discount)
Strength: 12.5% (9.4 Units)
Grape: 100% Nero d’Avola (“Black of Avola” in Italian) is “the most important red wine grape in Sicily” 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.
Modern winemaking methods have brought out the best of the variety by emphasising softness, warmth and richness of fruit.
Taste: This full-bodied, deeply-coloured red has damson fruit flavours and subtle notes of liquorice and anise.
When to have: Serve at room temperature with grilled and barbecued meats.
Storage instructions: To enjoy this wine at its best, drink within 5 years of purchase.
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.
Viticulture
The vine likes hot arid climates. The districts around Noto (above all Buonivini, Bufalefi and Maccari) and Pachino in the south of the province of Siracusa are reputed for the quality of their Nero d’Avola grapes.[3] The first American producer of Nero d’Avola is Chiarito Vineyards in Ukiah, California (Mendocino County.)