Nero d’Avola and Etna wines – the flavours of Sicily in a glass
Sicily is famous not only for its stunning landscapes and rich history, but also for its excellent wines. Two of its outstanding wine regions, the southern region of Nero d’Avola and the volcanic slopes of Etna, are world-renowned. These wines reflect not only the unique character of the island’s terroir, but also the centuries-old tradition of Sicilian winemaking.
History and Territory
Nero d’Avola is named after the town of Avola and has been produced since ancient times. It is one of Sicily’s best-known grape varieties, renowned for its deep red colour, rich fruitiness and velvety tannins. Etna wines, on the other hand, come from the north-east of the island, where the volcanic soil gives the wines a unique mineral character. The Etna wine region is one of the oldest and highest wine-growing areas in Sicily, with vineyards at altitudes of 600-1000 metres.
The red Nero d’Avola grape is the most widely planted grape variety in Sicily, with more than 12 000 hectares of vineyards. Nero d’Avola wine is available in purity and as a blend of various Sicilian DOCG, DOC and IGT wines.
Did you know that the grapes are grown mainly in the Syracuse area?
The origins of the grape are ancient, but its reputation is recent. Although its second name ‘Calabrese’ may suggest Calabrian origins, it is in fact the native grape of Sicily, Nero d’Avola. Some finds on the slopes of Mount Etna trace the history of the vine back to the Phoenicians and link it to the colonisation of the Greeks and Romans.
Nero d’Avola wine has a brilliant ruby red colour that deepens with ageing, with purplish hues and then garnet tones.The flavour is intense and spicy, while the nose is complex thanks to the barrel ageing.The terroir has a significant influence on the aroma profile: In the Noto and Pachino areas, it takes on a more elegant, refined character, with dried fruit notes, while in the central part of the island, red berry fruit, balsamic and spicy notes predominate. During ageing, the wine develops aromas of cocoa, carob, cinnamon, leather and liquorice, with a harmonious and soft finish.
The Discovery of Carricante: Sicily’s Unique White Grape from Mount Etna„
The Sicilian phrase „U carricanti”, meaning „able to fill carts with grapes”, speaks of the abundant harvest of this remarkable grape.
Carricante, once the most widespread white grape variety in the province of Catania, has been present on the Etna for centuries. Although it was introduced into other regions of Sicily at the end of the 19th century, it did not spread widely outside its home on the volcanic slopes.
Today, Carricante flourishes on the eastern side of Mount Etna, especially at higher altitudes (750-950 m a.s.l.). These high altitude sites offer a unique terroir where the Nerello Mascalese red grape is difficult to fully ripen, but the Carricante thrives.
Poured into the glass, Carricante wine reveals its brilliant character. The straw yellow colour with bright green reflections reinforces its youthful character. Its aromas are intense, rich and expansive, offering fruity notes of orange blossom and ripe apple. With age, these evolve into honeyed nuances. On the palate, the wine is dry, with pleasant acidity and persistence of aroma, leaving an aftertaste of anise and almonds.
The Nero d’Avola and Etna wines are two iconic representatives of Sicilian wine culture, perfectly reflecting the diversity of the island.
While Nero d’Avola captivates with its full, fruity and velvety character, Etna wines bring the elegance and complexity of volcanic terroir to the glass.If you’re in Sicily, don’t miss the chance to taste these special wines – every sip is a piece of Sicilian history.