Flavours of Sicily: Irresistible Nero d'Avola
16.5 points, Jancis Robinson
95 points, Luca Maroni
92 points, James Suckling
94 points – Guida Essenziale ai Vini d’Italia 2021
5 Bunches - Bibenda 2021
2018 Cristo di Campobello ‘Lu Patri’ Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
When Cabernet and Shiraz drinkers look to explore the diverse wine styles of Italy, Nero d’Avola is one of the very best places to start. Considered the king of Sicilian indigenous varieties, this is a grape prized for its robust body, generous fruit and powerful tannins, combined with elegant aromatics. Its dark fruit characters and approachable texture evoke a certain familiarity for the Australian palate, yet simultaneously open a whole new world of discovery.
Taking its name from a town in Sicily’s southeast, Nero d’Avola can be found across most of the island, making up almost 20% of plantings. While different characters emerge depending on the soil type in any given region here, Nero d’Avola consistently offers complexity and a textural appeal that together, promise great cellaring potential and versatility with food matching.
Grown in chalk-laden soil in the microregion of Agrigento, the 2018 vintage of Cristo di Campobello’s flagship Lu Patri is deep ruby red in colour with balsamic notes interlaced with hints of herbs, blackberries, and sour cherries. Renowned Italian oenologist Riccardo Cotarella has worked closely with Cristo di Campobello in the development of their wines and describes the 2018 Lu Patri as “round and smooth, with elegant tannins and lots of flavour. Warm with a complex character, caressing and spicy, with an underlay of elegant, licorice-coated tannins.”
This is an example of Sicily’s finest Nero d’Avola, and a wine that will continue to evolve for at least ten years in your cellar. Try it with seared tuna, cheese and charcuterie, chocolate-based desserts or rich pasta like lasagna or cannelloni.