CUSUMANO NERO D'AVOLA 2012
SICILY, ITALY
Nero d'Avola is the name of this grape, which is the most important and the most widely-planted red grape in Sicily. It is native to Sicily and thrives in the hot and arid climate, taking its name from a small town, Avola, in south-east Sicily. If you are unfamiliar with Nero d'Avola, it has been compared to Syrah. Until fairly recently it was used in blending, but is also now produced as a varietal on its own. It is fruit-forward, with firm but not harsh tannins, spicy, having aromas and flavors of berries, plum, and black pepper. It is complementary to tomato sauce dishes.