2022 Kay Brothers Amery Nero D’Avola, McLaren Vale

Kay Brothers Amery Nero d’Avola is a bold yet bright take on one of Sicily’s most celebrated red varieties, now thriving in the sun-drenched soils of McLaren Vale. Known for its adaptability to warm, dry climates, Nero d’Avola has found a natural home in the ironstone-rich, low-yielding blocks of the historic Amery Vineyard. Kay Brothers, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in South Australia, brings a thoughtful, traditional approach to this increasingly exciting alternative variety.

The fruit is estate-grown and carefully managed to ensure even ripening and flavour concentration. Harvested at optimal balance between sugar and acid, the grapes are fermented in small open fermenters with gentle plunging to extract colour and fine tannins without excess weight. After fermentation, the wine is aged in seasoned French oak barrels to round out the edges and let the varietal character shine through.

In the glass, the Kay Brothers Nero d’Avola bursts with ripe red and black cherries, plum skin and wild raspberry, alongside notes of dried herbs, licorice, warm spice and a touch of crushed violet. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a core of juicy, plush fruit balanced by soft, savoury tannins. There’s a lovely freshness that keeps it agile, yet enough structure to stand up to richer dishes.

This wine is a brilliant match for grilled pork with fennel and rosemary, Sicilian-style eggplant caponata, woodfired pizza or lamb meatballs in tomato sugo. It also pairs well with hard cheeses and charcuterie, making it ideal for Mediterranean-style feasts.

Nero d’Avola is increasingly being recognised as a smart, sustainable choice for Australian growers, and Kay Brothers' take is both authentic and regionally expressive. It shows the variety’s natural warmth and generosity while maintaining the balance and savoury backbone that make it so food fri