#483 100 Grapes - Nero d'Avola

Meaning 'Black of Avola' this is the most important grape in Sicily.  Named after the town in the south of the island, it is a grape that hasn't travelled outside of it's homeland except in rare circumstances, despite it's flavour having a similarity to new world Shiraz.

With the potential to produce outstanding, high quality (and price) wines, I prefer to look at the more commercial end of the spectrum.  As it gets more and more difficult to buy decent Shiraz under a tenner, this variety gives people the flavour they want at the price they want.

2011 Vortice Nero d'Avola
Soft and juicy with a nice floral element coming out.  Quite juicy berry flavours leading to a touch of spice, oodles of cherry and a delicious veggie backbone.  Lacks the minerality I would expect from a wine grown on volcanic soils, and is a bit more international style, but nice nevertheless.  83pts

2010 Coralto from Curatolo Arini Nero d'Avola
Lots of savoury fruit, it has the earthy, minerally volcanic soil character coming through.  A layered wine, fruit, spice, tobacco and earthy veggie flavours.  A good, value wine.  85pts