Bosman Family Vineyards in Wellington is proud to unveil their latest project – South Africa’s first ever wine made from Nero d’Avola grapes. This Sicilian grape variety is perfectly suited to the warm Mediterranean climate of the Cape, but it has taken some time and a lot of effort on the part of Petrus Bosman to turn his Nero d’Avola dream into a reality.
Petrus, managing director of Bosman Family Vineyards, spent several happy months looking at the vineyards and wineries of Sicily in 2004, during which time he was struck by the wealth of viticultural heritage on the island, as well as by the similarities between Sicily and the Western Cape. Back at home, he was convinced that Sicily’s native grapes would thrive in South Africa.
He selected Nero d’Avola – literally, the ‘black’ grape of Avola, generally considered to be one of the finest Southern Italian varieties – and set about the lengthy process of bringing the grape into the country. The vines were quarantined for two years after which only 2 plants survived, but cuttings were taken and propagated and eventually grafted onto existing vines.
Several years of battling with the authorities ensued before Nero d’Avola was finally approved for production in 2014. For Petrus, this has been a deeply personal project and one very much tied up with his family. His visits to Sicily were always made en route to see his future wife, Carla who was based in London at the time – “a wonderful excuse!” laughs Petrus. The Bosman Nero d’Avola vineyard is planted near the family’s home in the Bovlei valley of Wellington and every year Petrus, Carla and their sons harvest these very special grapes by hand, cementing a new family tradition and celebrating their persistence in overcoming the red tape which at one time threatened to finish this project completely.
The Bosman Family Vineyards Nero d’Avola is a fruit-driven, elegant wine with subtle, supportive oak. Flavours and aromas of dark-skinned berries and plums are enlivened by delicate perfume and grounded by juicy, sweet tannins. Petrus recommends enjoying it with antipasto platters of cured meats and cheeses or as an accompaniment to traditional family meals of lasagne or cannelloni. It is available exclusively to the Bosman Family Vineyards wine club members for R150 per bottle.