Nero d'Avola is a red wine variety, originating from Sicily and is one of Italy's most important indigenous varieties. It is named after Avola in the far south of Sicily and its wines are compared to New World Shiraz, with sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavours. The black grape of Avola appears to have been selected by growers near Avola several hundred years ago. Initially, it was confined to the southern tip of the island.