This week I am talking about a venerable Italian native red variety nero d'avola, which is the main/most important red variety on Sicily. Literally called the ‘Black grape of Avola’- a town in southern Sicily, this is a very deeply coloured aromatic red grape which is a late ripener that thrives in hot arid conditions.
In more recent times this power-packed Italian has migrated to the USA, Türkiye, Malta, South Africa and of course here to Australia. We currently have 94 Nero d’Avola producers spread right across the country with the greatest concentration being in McLaren Vale.
Today’s excellent example of this exciting variety comes from the dynamic team at Paulmara Estates Barossa Valley, it is the
PAULMARA ESTATE ‘DENERO’ 2023 NERO D’AVOLA ($25 / Barossa Valley, SA)
Deeply coloured with the gorgeous purple hues of a young wine, it has enticing aromas blackberries and ripe plums with a sprinkling of dried herbs as well as a hint of meatiness/bonox. The sublime palate has lashings of very appealing plummy, peppery flavours, beautifully balanced, great depth and a magnificent lingering finish.
This wine is raring to go- no need to cellar (but it can be for many years), which is an excellent achievement in today’s instant consumption society.
In summary DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!
Check out this beauty, along with the rest of the great Paulmara range, including their mystery XW Blanc de Noir 2023 at www.paulmara.com.au
Have a great week remember to always choose Australian wine and when possible enjoy emerging varieties.
Dan Traucki