When it comes to red wines grown on Mount Etna, we often trend to Nerello Mascallese- the primary grape used in Etna DOC wine.
But some wineries go against the grain and grow Sicilian grapes that are not approved in Etna DOC blends. Gambino Vini on the eastern slopes of Etna is one such producer, and their lineup of Nero d’Avola has us ordering more again and again.
Gambino Vini’s Duvanera is one such bottle that we always have at least one of on hand at all times, and it only takes a few sips to realize why that is.
A Delicious Mount Etna Nero d’Avola
This Nero d’Avola was pale ruby in color with medium(+) aromas of black cherry, clove, cranberry, cassis, leather, blueberry, nutmeg, and cacao.
On the palate, it was dry with high acidity, medium chalky tannin, body, and alcohol, medium(+) flavor intensity, and a long finish. We had flavor notes of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, cedar, clove, cranberry, pomegranate, and leather.
As you can tell from the flavor notes on this one, there was a nice complexity between dark fruit notes, wood and spicy character, and of course a bit of tertiary leather due to the wine’s six years of age. Hitting all the reasons we love a good Nero d’Avola in this one!
Nero d’Avola Food Pairing – Pasta with Squash
We paired this Nero d’Avola with a simple pasta of homemade tomato sauce with a side of cooked squash. The acidity in the pasta sauce paired the acidity in the wine well, and we had a stronger red fruit spike beyond what we noted above- red cherry, cranberry, and more with perhaps a slight increase in minerality to go along with it like wet stone and slate.
Score 4 / 5
We’d buy a bottle of this one.
Gambino Vini is a stellar producer for all things Nero d’Avola, and their Duvanera is no different. If you can get your hands on one, specially with a few years of age like this bottle, you’re in for a treat. We’ll always have one on hand as a result!
Gambino Vini is located at Contrada Petto Dragone in Linguaglossa, Sicily. We purchased this bottle locally; however, have also purchased bottles in the past directly at the winery.
