Nero d'Avola, known officially as Calabrese, produces a variety of styles, ranging from light, almost Pinot-like examples to lush, full-bodied, more tannic versions. If planted on sandier soils, floral and spicy notes develop; clay soils can give more richness.
Grillo, a crossing of Catarratto and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria), produces lighter wines with citrus freshness, sapidity, floral and herbaceous notes; some can be weightier or more textural.
Both these grapes are versatile. They can produce very good wines from dry to sweet, still or sparkling wines. Expressions vary significantly between producers, with many using international grapes to add a different dimension and give wines more global appeal.
Two wineries, Mandrarossa and Feudo Montoni, favour styles that express the vibrancy of their grapes without heavily concentrated fruit or overt
oak flavours.