| Country | |
|---|---|
| Region | Sicily |
| Grape Variety | Nero d'Avola, Syrah |
| Producer | Di Giovanna |
| Certification | Organic |
Nero d’Avola Helios DOC 2019 – Di Giovanna
£26.50
Helios is an exquisite blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah, sourced from the historic family vineyards of the Paradiso estate. Helios captivates with its balance and elegance, boasting an intense ruby red color. Aromas of violet flowers, red and black fruits, and pleasant hints of sweet spices and chocolate.
On the palate is bold and harmonious, with velvety tannins and a delightful smoothness, leading to a long and persistent finish. This wine pairs perfectly with cured meats, red meats, aged pecorino cheese, parmigiano reggiano, and chocolate.
Availability: In stock
Colour
Ruby
FLAVOURS
Red fruit
Spice
Black fruit
Palate
Sweetness
Acidity
Tannins
Body
Abv
13.5%
Serve At
16-18°
Food Pairing
Beef
Wild game meat
Cured meats
Cheese (hard, mature)
The Di Giovanna family is one of the oldest wine-producing families in Sicily. Today, their production focuses on Sicilian native grape varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Grillo, Catarratto, as well as some international varieties like Chardonnay, Syrah, and Merlot.
The Di Giovanna estate is managed by the brothers Gunther and Klaus. The winery is located in the mountains at the foot of Mount Genuardo, within a protected natural reserve.
Their family vineyards are cultivated organically between Sambuca di Sicilia and Contessa Entellina, in the heart of western Sicily.
Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola, once nearly extinct, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to a number of exceptional single varietal wines produced since the 1990s. This grape variety is renowned for its bold and fruit-driven flavours, which range from black cherry to prune, and its medium to full-bodied nature, putting it in the same league as bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Syrah.
Nero d’Avola’s tannin levels are high, but not as intense as in some other wines, such as Barolo. Its acidity is moderately high, but not so tart as to make the wine overly spicy. With an alcohol content that typically ranges from 13.5%–14.5% ABV, Nero d’Avola falls into the “Medium Plus” category, making it a bold choice.
This wine’s bold fruit flavours, robust tannins, and acidity make it an excellent pairing for rich, meaty dishes. Classic pairings include oxtail soup and beef stew, but it can also be enjoyed with a BBQ burger topped with bacon.
Nero d’Avola is well-suited to arid climates and can be dry-farmed. It thrives in hot conditions and many of the oldest Nero d’Avola vineyards in Sicily are Alberello pruned or “head-trained” close to the ground to withstand high winds. While nearly all Nero d’Avola comes from Sicily, a few pioneering producers are now dry-farming Nero d’Avola in Mendocino, California, and McLaren Vale, South Australia.
