Graffetta Nero d'Avola is a red wine from Sicily, Italy. It is made from the indigenous Nero d'Avola grape, known for its intense color, rich flavor, and firm tannins. The Nero d'Avola grape thrives in Sicily's warm climate and soils rich in limestone and clay. The result is a fruity wine with a soft and juicy flavor.
The origin of the grapes for Graffetta Nero d'Avola
Graffetta Nero d'Avola originates from Ispica, a town located in the Valle di Noto in Sicily, Italy. This region is known for the cultivation of the Nero d'Avola grape, and Ispica is a special place where this grape thrives and plays an important role in local history.
In the past, the months of September and October filled the air of Ispica with the delightful aroma of Nero d'Avola grape must. During this time, the streets were drenched with grapes coming off the carts and heading for the wine presses. The grape has such a strong presence in the area that it is also known as "Calabrese" by the locals. The conditions in Ispica and the Valle di Noto are favorable for the Nero d'Avola grape. The warm climate, rich soils, and Mediterranean influences create an ideal environment for the grapes to ripen well and develop their full flavor and characteristic qualities.
The grapes are carefully hand-picked, selecting only the finest and ripest grapes. After harvest, the grapes undergo a maceration process, remaining in contact with the skins and seeds for approximately 10 to 12 days at a controlled temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in steel tanks. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is separated and aged. Approximately half of the wine is transferred to oak tonneaux, where the refining process begins. The other half is aged in steel tanks. After aging for approximately six months in both tonneaux and steel, the two parts of the wine are combined and bottled. Further aging in the bottle follows for at least three months, during which the wine continues to develop and reach its full potential.
What does Graffetta Nero d'Avola taste like?
Graffetta Nero d'Avola is a wine with a deep and intense color. The nose is greeted by delicious aromas of ripe red fruit, including juicy red berries and ripe cherries, with subtle leather undertones that add complexity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and silky, with a velvety texture that envelops the palate. The red fruit remains prominent and is complemented by a delightful juiciness, making the wine a seductive and savory experience. The finish is soft and lingering, allowing the flavors to linger and the harmonious combination of fruity notes to continue to delight.