Nero d Avola (also known as Calabrese) is the most important and widely planted red wine grape variety in Sicily. Vast volumes of Nero d Avola are produced on the island every year and have been for centuries. The dark-skinned grape is of great historical importance to Sicily and takes its present-day name from the town of Avola on the island's southeast coast. The Nero d'Avola varietal is traditionally grown in the borough of Avola, a town located in the province of Siracusa, with evidence dating back to the 15th century. In particular, this region is characterized by a mild climate in winter as well, partly due to the Monti Iblei, mountains shielding the area from north and northwest winds. This is a region of mostly flat plains and sparse low hills, which ensures exceptional production, both in terms of quality and quantity. The region of Calabria can lay claim to the variety via its synonym Calabrese (meaning of Calabria), though this term may be a derivation of Calaurisi, an ancient name for someone from Avola. The area was a hotbed of trade and population movement during the Middle Ages and Nero d Avola was frequently used to add color and body to lesser wines in mainland Italy. Translated, Nero d Avola means Black of Avola, a reference to the grapes' distinctive dark coloring, but its exact origins are the subject of debate.