At a small solider settlement block in the outskirts of Barmera, traditional French varieties are making way for a grape variety that is famously grown in the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily. Barmera and Sicily’s economies are largely based on agriculture crops such as citrus, olives and wine grapes.

The black grape of Avola (a small town in the south east of Sicily) is a variety that loves a hot and arid climate. In fact it thrives in such harsh conditions. This red grape variety, commonly called Nero d’Avola, is widely planted throughout Sicily and produces high quality table wines. The first planting of Nero d’Avola in the Riverland occurred last year, replacing a tired and exhausted patch of Chardonnay.

Like Sicily, Australia is an Island. Add to this the warm & dry weather conditions of Barmera, and this Italian stallion has a new home away from home.