The 2021 Sicilia Nero d'Avola reveals a medium-dark appearance and a drinking style that is easy and fresh, perfect for a wood-fired pizza or cacio e pepe. There is a sweet note that recalls candied cherry or raspberry. Because of that, I suggest a pairing with a slightly spicy dish with black pepper or chili flakes. Those sweet flavors transition to black olive and Sicilian caper. This is a very large production of 300,000 bottles.

The Cantine Colosi 2019 Sicilia Nero d'Avola reveals ripe cherry and blackberry with lots of sunny plushness and softness. This certified vegan wine shows charming simplicity with lots of cherry fruit followed by light spice and cured tobacco or bacon fat. The wine offers moderate length and depth, but it is more than adequate to pair with a spicy eggplant pasta.

Made in a simple and easy-drinking style, the unoaked 2018 Sicilia Nero d'Avola offers youthful brightness and variety-driven notes of wild cherry, cassis, licorice, potting soil and chopped black olives. There is a momentary layer of grilled fennel seed, and that completes what is no doubt an authentically Sicilian presentation. This Sicilian red would match nicely with an amatriciana. Production is 80,000 bottle strong.

Now boasting a DOC Sicilia appellation, the 2017 Sicilia Nero d'Avola is a stripped down and naked expression of this popular red grape. You get true aromas of cherry marmalade and blackberry confit backed by more pungent tones of caper and green olive. There is a point of sweetness on the close that recalls the scorching hot and dry growing season. There is intensity here but not much overall balance.

Cantine Colosi presents a juicy and vinous 2016 Nero d'Avola that is a little raw and rustic in places. This Sicilian grape tends to offer aromas of scorched earth, black olive, pickled caper and toasted pistachio nut. You get all of those characteristics here in an informal and easy package. This is a suitable pasta or pizza wine. Ripe cherry and blackberry appear on the finish.