We received two wines from Sicilia to try for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Since I was grilling hamburgers today, I decided to open the Vigna di Pettineo Nero d’Avola. This 2012 red wine was made entirely with Nero d’Avola grapes grown in organic vineyards. The vineyards are located in Vittoria, in the south eastern part of Sicilia less than ten miles from the Mediterranean Sea. The vineyards are mostly comprised of red sand and the vineyard is over 20 years old.

Vigna di Pettineo is a family run winery. The winemaker, Massimo Maggio wants to craft wines that express the terroir of the land, a land that has cultivated vineyards for centuries. The 20 hectares of vineyards are planted with Nero d’Avola and Frappato with vines trellised on the alberate system. Different organic principles are practiced in the vineyards including biodiversity, grass, charcoal, reuse of rainwater and electricity from renewable resources.

Planting of grass provides a defense against erosion and offers an area for microorganisms. Also planted for each hectare of vineyards, there are 80 meters of flowering bushes that attract a diverse number of insects and birds. The vineyards are surrounded by dry-stone walls that provide habitats for reptiles. In the vineyard tare are different legumes used for green manure and even charcoal is used to help maintain humidity in the soil. All these vineyard practices along with collecting and reusing rainwater and the use of solar panels helps Vigna di Pettineo to be a sustainable vineyard and winery.

The Nero d’Avola grape is the most widely planted red grape on the island of Sicilia. Its origins date to the end of the 17th century. In the past, the grape was blended with other grapes most often to add color to a wine. Now it is often made into a varietal wine. The grape can also be found on Malta and in Turkey. There are small plantings of the grape in Australia and California.

The 2012 Vigna di Pettineo Nero d’Avola was a dark, red, barely translucent color. The aroma offered dark fruits including plums and blackberries. The taste was plums, blackberries and some earthy notes. The finish was fruity with a long aftertaste. The wine had a very smooth mouthfeel and was light to medium bodied. It will pair well with grilled beef, poultry and evan a grilled salmon. The wine is 13.5% alcohol and light enough for you to offer a red wine for the sizzling 4th of July. The average retail price in the United States is $20.