Meet Nero d’Avola
Meet Nero d’Avola
Pairings, attributes and fun facts about an Italian favorite
Ordering Italian wine can be a daunting task. There are so many grapes and so many regions. But you can prevail one grape at a time. One easy drinking Italian red wine: nero d’Avola.
This grape is unique to the island of Sicily and is often compared to new world shiraz. Nero means black. This dark peppery red is food-friendly, with bold fruit flavors.
If you’re serving nero d’Avola at dinner, consider whipping up lamb chops or other rich meat, or pasta with a hearty sauce.
Two suggestions:
CUSAMANO Nero d’Avola 2010 (Sicily, Italy) $10 is drinkable with or without food. It’s earthy and dark and satisfying—especially for the price.
We asked the beverage director at City Winery in New York City Matt Denune, for a nero d’Avola splurge. His suggestion:
COS Nero di Luppa 2008 (Sicily, Italy) $35 Denune said this wine is vinified in stainless steel and cement, which emphasizes the dark, meaty character of the grape. It’s unfiltered and has depth.
Do you have a go-to southern Italian red wine? Share with us below.
Tags: Sicily, Nero d’Avola
