| Grape variety |
Nerello Mascalese |
| Synonyms |
Known also as Mascalese Nero, Nerello di Mascali, and Nerello Mantellato. |
| Grape colour |
Red grape |
| History |
Originating from the Mascali region on the east coast of Sicily, Nerello Mascalese is believed to have gotten its name from the plains between Mount Etna and the coast. Some of the oldest vines of this variety have managed to survive the phylloxera epidemic of the 1880s. The 'Nerello' prefix in its name is a reference to the dark color of the grape, which it shares with its frequent blending partner, Nerello Cappuccio. |
| Ampelographic features |
The Nerello Mascalese grape vine has large, pentagonal, three-lobed leaves with two additional smaller lobes. The lobes are marked and almost flat, with a green-bottle color on the top page and light green, spotted underside. The ribs of the leaves are green, with the lower ribs being sub-lanugginose. The bunch is large and conical, with one or more wings that are more or less developed. The berries are medium-sized, sub-ellipsoid, and regular in shape. The skin is light-colored, thick, and consistent with a straw yellow juice. |
| Characteristics of the wine |
The wine produced from the Nerello Mascalese grape is often a fine ruby garnet in color that becomes orange-brick with aging, thanks to the grape's high acidity. The nose is delicate and complex, with strong aromas attributed to the volcanic soil where it grows. The wine is high in tannins and the aromas can range from floral violet and roses to red fruits, with tertiary aging sensations touched by vanilla notes. Despite the strong tannins, the wine maintains a soft taste and perfect balance with aging. |
