Nerello Mascalese is a red grape variety native to Sicily, Italy where it makes the aromatically haunting, long-lived red wines of Mount Etna.
Nerello Mascalese has lifted aromatics of red fruits, the best examples of raspberry, and sometimes a touch of ethereal herbal notes of mint or nettle. It has firm but elegant tannins, vivid acidity and, despite its usually transparent appearance, can be quite potent it belongs to the great indigenous grape varieties of Italy
Nerello Mascalese is native to Sicily and the area around Mount Etna. It is a natural crossing of Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco. It was first mentioned in the 18th century, but nobody knows how long it has been cultivated locally.
Nerello Mascalese grows on the slopes of Mount Etna and is not cultivated anywhere else.
English wine merchant Adam Brett-Smith said that if Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo had a love child, it would be Nerello Mascalese – and thereby captured the character of the grape beautifully.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Nirello mascalese, Nireddu, Niureddu Mascalisi, Niureddu Mascalese
