Italian grape variety · Red · Indigenous

Nero d'Avola

Q: Are Nero d'Avola and Calabrese the same grape?

Yes: Calabrese is the historic synonym of Nero d'Avola, even though the name recalls Calabria. The grape is 100% Sicilian.

Q: What is Cerasuolo di Vittoria?

Sicily's only DOCG , made from Nero d'Avola (50-70%) and Frappato (30-50%). Produced in the Ragusa area, with an elegant, fresh and finely spiced profile.

Q: Difference between Etna Rosso and Nero d'Avola?

Etna Rosso is made from Nerello Mascalese on the slopes of the volcano of the same name. A more elegant style, similar to Burgundy. Nero d'Avola is instead warmer, more Mediterranean and ample.

Nero d'Avola is the most widespread red grape in Sicily: powerful, fruity, Mediterranean, the basis of fine Sicilian wines and of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG.

Characteristics and history

Nero d'Avola (synonym: Calabrese) is the most widely grown native grape in Sicily. Together with Frappato it makes up Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Sicily's only DOCG. It produces wines of intense colour, full structure and soft tannins.

Aromatic profile: sour cherry, plum, blackberry, sweet spices (cinnamon, clove), tobacco. It favours warm, well-ventilated climates (Avola, Vittoria, Pachino). Versatile: from fresh young wines to great ageworthy reds (10-15 years).

Synonyms and international names

Calabrese

Regions where Nero d'Avola grows

Signature

Sicily

6 Wineries

Articles about Nero d'Avola

Wineries

Donnafugata Wines, Excellences of Sicily

The name Donnafugata – literally "woman in flight" – is linked to Queen Maria Carolina of Bourbon who, during ...

Alessandro Genova 06.10.2016

FAQs about Nero d'Avola

Are Nero d'Avola and Calabrese the same grape?

Yes: Calabrese<\/strong> is the historic synonym of Nero d'Avola, even though the name recalls Calabria. The grape is 100% Sicilian.

What is Cerasuolo di Vittoria?

Sicily's only DOCG<\/strong>, made from Nero d'Avola (50-70%) and Frappato (30-50%). Produced in the Ragusa area, with an elegant, fresh and finely spiced profile.

Difference between Etna Rosso and Nero d'Avola?

Etna Rosso is made from Nerello Mascalese<\/strong> on the slopes of the volcano of the same name. A more elegant style, similar to Burgundy. Nero d'Avola is instead warmer, more Mediterranean and ample.

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