Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola (2018)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Sicilian red with rich fruit flavors and a smooth finish.
About this wine
Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola 2018 is a deep ruby red wine with vibrant purple hues. On the nose, it offers clear aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, black cherries, and blueberries, complemented by hints of cloves, black pepper, licorice, dark chocolate, and earthy notes. The palate is well-balanced, combining the wine's natural power with a smooth texture, featuring silky tannins and a pleasant depth. This wine is made entirely from Nero d'Avola, Sicily's most important native red grape, and is aged for six months in American oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and character.
About the grape
Nero d'Avola, meaning "Black of Avola," is Sicily's most prominent red grape, originating from the town of Avola in the island's southeast. Historically, it was often used to add color and body to wines from northern Italy and France. In the 1980s and 1990s, producers began showcasing it as a single varietal, highlighting its rich flavors and aging potential. The 2018 Firriato Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola is crafted from grapes grown in the Dàgala Borromeo estate, where the unique clayey soils contribute to the wine's complexity. The vineyard employs traditional methods like hand-picking and matures the wine in American oak barrels for six months, enhancing its depth and character.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola Firriato 2018 is crafted entirely from the Nero d'Avola grape, Sicily's most prominent indigenous red variety, renowned for its deep color and rich flavors.
- 🪵 This wine undergoes a maturation process of 6 months in American oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spice to its profile.
- 🌞 The vineyards are situated at an elevation of 230 meters above sea level, benefiting from a south/south-west exposure that ensures optimal sunlight for grape ripening.
- 🍷 The Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola Firriato 2018 boasts an alcohol content of 13.95%, striking a balance between strength and elegance.
- 🏆 This wine has received notable accolades, including a score of 94 points from James Suckling for the 2018 vintage, highlighting its exceptional quality.
Palate profile
Producer
Firriato, established in 1984 by Salvatore and Vinzia Novara Di Gaetano in Sicily's Trapani countryside, has grown into a prominent producer of high-quality wines. The winery manages 470 hectares of certified organic vineyards across diverse Sicilian terroirs, including the hilly Trapani region, the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, and the coastal island of Favignana. Firriato was the first Italian winery to achieve carbon-neutral certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The name 'Firriato' is derived from a western Sicilian term referring to the area closest to the house, traditionally used for cultivating the most valuable crops.
