Nerello Mascalese

If you're looking to explore Italian wines beyond the staple Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, then a bottle of Nerello Mascalese might just become your next favourite. This Sicilian grape variety offers a unique profile that could easily captivate a British audience, especially those with a penchant for reds akin to a Pinot Noir or perhaps even a more refined Beaujolais.

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  Red Forest Berries

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  Cherry

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  Vanilla

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  Tobacco

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  Liquorice

As you pour yourself a glass of Nerello Mascalese, your eyes would be greeted by its ruby-red hue, tinged with garnet reflections particularly noticeable in aged variants. But it's the nose that would truly get you excited, as if taking a stroll through a Sicilian orchard under the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. You'll detect a complex bouquet of red fruits, mingled with spices—liken it to the English hedgerow but with a dash of pizzazz. Notes of liquorice, tobacco, and vanilla may also swirl around, enriching the wine's aromatic profile.

When it comes to taste, this grape variety is an epitome of its terroir—volcanic, complex, and somewhat mysterious. Grown primarily on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, the wine expresses a distinct minerality, reminiscent of the soil's volcanic richness. If the pub culture has taught the Brits anything, it's the appreciation for complexity and layering of flavours, and this wine delivers precisely that with an elegant tannicity. The palate is smooth and well-rounded, with red fruits manifesting themselves once again, this time accompanied by a distinctive mineral bite.

When it comes to serving Nerello Mascalese, attention to detail can elevate your drinking experience. For starters, aim for a serving temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. A large, tulip-shaped glass will allow the wine's nuanced aromas to fully express themselves. If the wine is particularly young or tannic, consider decanting it for at least 45 minutes to an hour before serving. Once opened, a bottle of Nerello Mascalese can last for up to 3-5 days if re-corked and stored in a cool, dark place. For those who wish to age this wine, a well-maintained cellar can keep Nerello Mascalese in optimal conditions for 5-10 years.

The grape's history is as rich as its flavour profile. Some scholars believe Nerello Mascalese made its way to Italy during the Greek colonization in the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Although originally passed through Calabria, it found its permanent home in Sicily during Roman times, specifically in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. This unique terroir imbues the grape with its distinctive mineral notes, making it a point of fascination for wine lovers, British or otherwise.

The grape's name is another captivating element. "Nerello" reflects the dark hue of the grape skins, whereas "Mascalese" pays homage to Mascali, a region in Catania where the grape thrives. Mascali's fertile, volcanic soil and strong agricultural tradition offer ideal conditions for the grape, sealing its status as a beloved local variety.

Nerello Mascalese is highly adaptable, capable of reflecting the characteristics of its terroir, which includes volcanic-lava-rich soil, and a unique climate marked by dramatic temperature shifts. It matures late in the season, usually around the second decade of October, adding a layer of complexity to its harvest. Despite the dark implication in its name, the grape has a light-blue skin, making it easily distinguishable from other varieties.

Nerello Mascalese goes by another name among the local Sicilian viticulturists—"Niuriddu Mascalisi." So if you ever hear this term, rest assured that it’s our grape in question.