Nocera (grape)

Nocera is a red Italian wine grape variety primarily cultivated in Sicily, particularly in the Messina province. It is often used as a blending grape, contributing color, acidity, and tannins to wines. Recent DNA analysis suggests a possible parent-offspring relationship with Gaglioppo, a key grape of Calabria, and/or Mantonico Bianco. Nocera is a late-ripening variety, which can make it challenging to cultivate consistently. When vinified as a single-varietal wine, Nocera can produce wines with cherry and spice notes, as well as a rustic character. It is sometimes blended with Nero d'Avola. While historically less well-known internationally, there is renewed interest in Nocera's potential to contribute unique qualities to Sicilian wines.