Wine Grape: Nero d'Avola (Calabrese)
Even if the name Calabrese suggests origins in Italy's Calabria region, the vine is almost certainly native to Sicily, where it's the most planted red wine grape. The name may come from the Greek Calauris, or possibly from the local dialect Cala ausisi or Colla-Anlisi, which mean 'grape from Avola' (Avola is a city in the southeastern part of the island). Another theory says Calabrese comes from the Middle Ages, when wines from Calabria were more highly regarded than the local ones. Sicilian traders claimed the wines were Calabrese, or from Calabria, to fetch better prices.
Synonyms
Also known as Calabrese Nero, Calabrese d'Avola, Calabrese Pizzuto, Calabrese Dolce
Where
Italy: Calabria, Sicily
Principal Wines
Italy: Calabria: Bivongi DOC; Sicily: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Alcamo DOC, Contea di Sclafani DOC, Contessa Entellina DOC, Delia Nivolelli DOC, Eloro DOC, Erice DOC, Mamertino di Milazzo or Mamertino DOC, Marsala DOC, Menfi DOC, Monreale DOC, Riesi DOC, Salaparuta DOC, Sambuca di Sicilia DOC, Santa Margherita di Belice DOC, Sciacca DOC, Vittoria DOC
Characteristics
Color: Dark cherry red
Nose: Fruity (plum), chocolate
Palate: Full bodied and tannic, with good alcohol and moderate acidity
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