The 2023 Brash Higgins NDV Nero d'Avola is the flagship wine that established Brash Higgins as Australia's benchmark producer of this iconic Sicilian variety. Sourced from the organically certified Omensetter Vineyard in McLaren Vale—the country's original planting of Nero d'Avola—the wine is crafted using ancient winemaking techniques, with wild fermentation and six months of skin contact in locally made, beeswax-lined clay amphorae. This traditional approach preserves the variety's purity while building remarkable texture and complexity. The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing black cherry, pomegranate and morello cherry layered with orange peel, stem ginger, Indian spice, tomato leaf and a distinctive bittersweet, Negroni-like character that makes the wine instantly recognisable.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with bright natural acidity, fine-grained tannins and an energetic, savoury texture. Juicy dark raspberry, cherry and pomegranate fruit are complemented by amaro herbs, subtle spice and a gentle earthy complexity, finishing long, fresh and beautifully balanced. Amphora maturation lends a unique sense of purity and mineral definition, making this an elegant yet characterful expression of Nero d'Avola with excellent ageing potential. The 2023 vintage was awarded 93 points by Halliday Wine Companion, further cementing its reputation as one of Australia's finest examples of the variety.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Brash Higgins NDV Nero d'Avola is a wonderfully expressive and food-friendly red that shines alongside Mediterranean cuisine. Pair it with wood-fired pizza, lamb koftas, slow-cooked beef, chargrilled eggplant, tomato-based pasta or aged Pecorino. Enjoy now with a short decant, or cellar confidently through 2035 for even greater savoury complexity and finesse.
