DRINK DIFFERENT - SYRAH/NERO D'AVOLA

Syrah, or Shiraz as it is known in much of the New World, is a grape which makes big, spicy wines.  Thought to have originated around the town of Shiraz in Persia (now Iran), its traditional heartland is in the Rhône Valley in France, where it reaches its peak on the hallowed Hermitage hill – with prices to match.

Whilst Syrahs are available from lots of different countries, my suggested ‘Drink Different’ alternative this month is Italian – and not Syrah at all.  Nero d’Avola is the dark red grape of Sicily and Puglia in the heel of Italy.  When young it exhibits plums and red fruit flavours; with barrel aging it can develop chocolate, spice and dark raspberry notes.

With these warming flavours, a full body and good tannins, Nero d’Avola can be an affordable and interesting alternative to Syrah.