Everything About Nerello-Mascalese Grape
"neh-REHL-loh mahs-kah-LEH-seh" 
Nerello-Mascalese Description
Origin: Sicily, Italy
History: Nerello Mascalese is a red grape variety native to Sicily, predominantly grown on the northeastern side of the island near the Mascali area in Catania, from which it derives its name. It is considered superior in quality to its counterpart, Nerello Cappuccio. Traditionally, Nerello Mascalese has been used in blends, notably in the Etna DOC wines, where it constitutes a significant portion of the blend. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in producing single-varietal wines from Nerello Mascalese, showcasing its unique characteristics.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, dark blue-black berries with a thin skin.
Growing Traits: Nerello Mascalese is a late-ripening variety, thriving in volcanic soils and high-altitude vineyards, particularly on the slopes of Mount Etna. The vines are often trained in the traditional bush-vine method, which suits the terroir of the region. The grape's sensitivity to its environment results in wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their specific vineyard sites.
Food Pairing Nerello Mascalese's elegant profile and balanced structure make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with lighter meats, including poultry or pork, especially when prepared with roasted tomato or red pepper, and herbs like oregano, thyme, coriander, and sage. Its medium tannins and acidity also complement dishes featuring earthy flavors, such as mushroom risotto or grilled vegetables.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium-bodied with a refined structure, offering both elegance and complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. Medium tannin levels, contributing to a balanced and harmonious mouthfeel. Medium to high acidity, providing freshness and enhancing its aging potential. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 12-13.5%, contributing to its approachability.
Dried cherry 
Orange zest 
Dried thyme 
Spices 
Mineral Nerello Mascalese wines are known for their aromatic complexity, featuring notes of dried cherry, orange zest, and dried thyme, with subtle hints of allspice and a distinctive minerality reminiscent of crushed gravel. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with medium tannins and medium-high acidity, leading to a refined and persistent finish.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/italy.png)
Italy
•Sicily
•Calabria
Notable Wines and Producers
Etna Rosso DOC
•Benanti
•Passopisciaro
Faro DOC
•Le Casematte
•Bonavita
Nerello-Mascalese FAQ
Sicily, Italy
Nerello-Mascalese has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Nerello-Mascalese is Moderate bodied.
Nerello-Mascalese has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Nerello-Mascalese is Dry.
Sicily, Italy
Nerello-Mascalese is grown in Italy (Sicily, Calabria).
Nerello Mascalese wines are known for their aromatic complexity, featuring notes of dried cherry, orange zest, and dried thyme, with subtle hints of allspice and a distinctive minerality reminiscent of crushed gravel. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with medium tannins and medium-high acidity, leading to a refined and persistent finish.
Nerello Mascalese's elegant profile and balanced structure make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with lighter meats, including poultry or pork, especially when prepared with roasted tomato or red pepper, and herbs like oregano, thyme, coriander, and sage. Its medium tannins and acidity also complement dishes featuring earthy flavors, such as mushroom risotto or grilled vegetables.
Nerello Mascalese wines are known for their aromatic complexity, featuring notes of dried cherry, orange zest, and dried thyme, with subtle hints of allspice and a distinctive minerality reminiscent of crushed gravel. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with medium tannins and medium-high acidity, leading to a refined and persistent finish.