Sunday, September 20, 2015

Strangebird on the loose - Nero d'Avola



Nero d’Avola is native to Sicily, where it’s the region’s most planted variety. In recent years, plantings have spread to other parts of the world, including Australia, where the Chalmers family nursery imported the first Nero d’Avola vines in 1998 (although not released from quarantine for cultivation until 2001). Today, there are more than 55 Nero d’Avola vineyards in Australia.(Wine Companion Magazine, online @ @ http://www.winecompanion.com.au/news/wine-companion-magazine-articles/issue-21-nero-davola).
On the Granite Belt, Nero d'Avola is the province of Strangebird stalwart Golden Grove Estate. 600 vines were hand chip budded by owner Sam Costanzo and lovingly crafted into this elegant fruit driven wine by son Ray. The 2012 Nero D'Avola has a deep but vibrant cherry red appearance. The nose is rich with cherries, raspberries and red forest fruits with an underlying touch of sweet oak. The palate is soft and succulent with bursts of perfumed ripe fruit all in perfect harmony with the fine grain oak, plush tannins and crunchy acidity.The 2012 Vintage Grand Reserve Nero d'Avola has won serious applause with the following awards under its belt:
5 Stars (95/100): James Halliday
Silver: 2014 Aust. Small Winemakers Show
Silver: 2014 Cowra Wine Show
Bronze: 2013 Rutherglen Wine Show
Bronze: 2013 QLD Wine Awards
: