On the back label of this bottle of Nero Oro Appassimento are the words 'Sicily’s black gold, its finest grape = Nero d’Avola'. And it really is the best known red wine from this Southern Italian island. This one also has an extra dimension of complexity thanks to the grapes having spent time drying. When these freshly picked grapes have had some ‘raisining’ time, the sugars within the grapes have concentrated as the water has evaporated. They then take on glossy texture and body weight with some extra glycerol.

This one is perfumed with ripe cherries and berries, with a thyme and cinnamon edge. It is full bodied with some fresh acid to balance. The tannins are soft, powdery and shapely. Those intense and generous flavours last long into the next sip. It is a good match for anything from burgers to roast lamb studded with smoked garlic and rosemary.

Quickie review «A bold Sicilian that is as shapely in the mouth as all get out!»

Country of Origin: Sicilia DOC, Italy
Tasting Date:
Price:   UK£12 | US$15++ | € 9 
Drink: now – 5+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you liked this Nero Oro Nero d'Avola, you might like to try this Mount Etna red blend.
To learn more about this Sicilian grape, please click here to read Why you should be drinking Nero d'Avola! and 'six Nero d'Avola wines to get into your glass NOW!'.
To read more about other great Southern Italian red wines, please read The Italian Red Revival.

This review was first published in April 2020 updated January 2026

This was also mentioned as a recommended wine on winemusing.substack.