It’s evident to everyone—although some may still fail to realise it—that climate change has led to rising temperatures, which are transforming agriculture and cultivation methods more rapidly than expected. Certain areas are more affected than others, and Sicily is one of them. In recent years, the island has experienced a form of incipient "tropicalisation", where crops such as mango, avocado, and even coffee can now be proudly labelled "Made in Trinacria".
But who is at risk in this scenario? Traditional crops, of course. And there is no need to remind anyone just how deeply rooted the vine and the grape are in this island, a historical crossroads of the Mediterranean. As a result, Sicily has been home to many grape varieties that have not only thrived here but have also spread to other parts of the world.
Nero d'Avola: the origins of the grape variety
Among the most typical Sicilian grape varieties, Nero d'Avola certainly stands out. However, until the late 19th century, it was not even called by this name. It was known as Calabrese, despite having no apparent connection to the Calabria region across the strait. Scholars lean towards a fascinating hypothesis: the name may have originated from the Italianisation of the local dialect term "calavrisi", where "cala" means grape, while the second part of the word refers to the town of Avola—essentially meaning "grape from Avola".
There is no debate about its origins: from the small town of Avola in the province of Syracuse, this grape spread to Noto and Pachino before expanding across almost the entire region. Like many southern Italian grape varieties, Nero d'Avola once had a history of being cultivated primarily for high yields, often used in blends to add structure to lighter wines.
The second life of Nero d'Avola
Today, however, Nero d'Avola is a flagship variety of Sicilian winemaking. Its importance is also evident in recent experiments aimed at offering a fresh perspective on the grape, producing wines that are less alcoholic and more in tune with modern preferences, which favour freshness and lower alcohol levels. These efforts also serve to counteract the effects of climate change mentioned earlier.
The best Nero d'Avola wines for quality-price ratio
Nero d'Avola is versatile—it lends itself to both fresh, fruit-driven wines meant for immediate consumption, particularly when vinified in stainless steel, as well as to more ambitious, age-worthy expressions, which gain complexity and depth over time. Below, we present a selection of the best Nero d'Avola wines under €20, as reviewed in the Berebene and Vini d'Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso.
The Valle dell'Acate winery is located at the ancient Feudo Bidini, on the hills along the Dirillo River. We were particularly impressed by Il Moro '21, a brilliant ruby-red Nero d'Avola with garnet reflections, expressive on the nose with aromas of blackberries and raspberries, interwoven with Mediterranean scrub and cocoa bean. It boasts a firm tannic structure, well-balanced by minerality, freshness, and fruit.
The Morgante family's vineyards and winery are situated in Grotte, a hilly inland area of Agrigento, about 20 kilometres from the sea. Their 2022 Nero d'Avola delivers an appealing aromatic profile of wild berries, black cherry, a hint of liquorice, bay leaf, and graphite. The palate is soft and velvety, with a rich fruit core, balanced by acidity and structured tannins, and finishes with a spicy note of white pepper.
Owned by the Zonin family, the Principi di Butera estate is located in Butera, in Sicily’s hinterland, a region known for its white, limestone-rich soils. The Amira '22 exhibits aromas of bramble fruit, Mediterranean herbs, capers, and ink. On the palate, it is firm and well-structured, with juicy fruit balanced by vibrant acidity and lively tannins.
A cooperative winery with over 300 members, CVA Canicattì is a quality-focused producer in Agrigento. Their Centuno '21 is a classic Nero d'Avola, with notes of capers, forest floor, and black fruit. It is pleasantly fresh and juicy, making it an excellent everyday wine.
The Alagna family winery has a 75-year history, managing over 50 hectares of vineyards across Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Salemi, and Trapani. While they are well-known for their Marsala wines, their Nearì '23 is a Nero d'Avola with character and tradition, offering capers, humus, and black fruit on the nose, with a pleasing, approachable palate.
foto di www.facebook.com/casealte/
This year, Case Alte, the Vaccaro family estate, impressed us with their 16 Filari '22. It is an intense and elegant wine, featuring notes of chocolate and spices, with good structure and persistence.
foto di www.facebook.com/FeudidelPisciotto
Part of the Domini di Castellare group, Feudi del Pisciotto produces elegant, terroir-driven wines. Their Versace '22—dense and fruity on the nose, taut and persistent on the palate—was a finalist in the Vini d'Italia 2025 guide.
foto di www.facebook.com/baronesergiowines/
For three centuries, the Sergio family has cultivated vineyards in Pachino, in the Val di Noto, a prime area for Nero d'Avola. Their Sergio '22 boasts an inviting bouquet of bramble fruit, cherry, balsamic hints, blood orange, and liquorice. On the palate, it has good structure, with sweet fruit, polished tannins, and vibrant acidity.
A small, artisanal winery in the Acate valley, Biscaris focuses on natural and biodynamic winemaking. Their Vittoria Nero d'Avola '23 is full of personality, with elegant cherry and black cherry notes, underscored by refreshing balsamic tones and lively tannins.
Donnafugata, the Rallo family winery, continues to grow, operating in four key Sicilian wine regions: Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria, Vittoria (Cerasuolo), and Etna. Their Contesa dei Venti '22 is a solar Nero d'Avola, with a mediterranean bouquet, silky fruit, and refined elegance.
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