Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s flagship red grape, prized for its bold, sun-drenched character and deep colour. Named after the town of Avola in the island’s southeast, it was historically used in blends to add weight and colour but has since risen to prominence as a varietal wine. With origins possibly dating back to Greek colonisation, Nero d’Avola thrives in Sicily’s arid climate, particularly around Noto and Vittoria. Today, while still largely associated with Sicily, plantings have expanded modestly to regions such as Australia and California, where the grape's resilience to heat and drought has found new relevance.
