Blog: Nerello Mascalese | Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese is a red grape variety native to Sicily and grown mainly on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. It is considered one of the best autochthonous grape varieties of the region and is known for producing elegant and complex wines.

The grape variety prefers volcanic soil, rich in minerals and nutrients. This soil gives the wines a particular minerality and freshness. Nerello Mascalese is a late ripening variety, usually harvested in October.

The wines produced from Nerello Mascalese have a bright red color and are known for their fruity aromas of cherries, wild berries and plums, as well as their spicy notes of black pepper, cloves and nutmeg. In the mouth they are dry and full-bodied, with lively acidity and gentle tannins. These wines have excellent structure and longevity.

The reason why Nerello Mascalese thrives so well on Etna is due to the climatic conditions. The high altitudes and volcanic soil provide ideal conditions for growing the grape variety. The cool nights and the high temperature differences between day and night ensure that the grapes ripen slowly and evenly and can optimally develop their aromas and flavors.

The winemakers on Mount Etna have attracted a lot of attention in recent years because they produce excellent wines from Nerello Mascalese. These wines are usually more expensive than other wines from Sicily, but they are worth the price. The quality of the wines has greatly improved in recent years and they have become one of the best and most famous grape varieties in Italy.

In summary, Nerello Mascalese is a fascinating grape variety from Sicily that produces wines of outstanding quality. Its unique terroir on Mount Etna gives the wines a special minerality and elegance that distinguishes them from other Italian wines. If you have the opportunity to taste a wine from Nerello Mascalese, do not hesitate, it will be an unforgettable experience. - Gerardo [TS03/23]