Nerello Mascalese

The Nerello Mascalese is one of the grape varieties with black berries most important and representative of the Sicily, in particular the volcanic areas of theEtna. Known for its extraordinary elegance and its ability to reflect the terroir, Nerello Mascalese is considered the flagship variety of the wines of theEtna DOC, where it is often vinified as a single variety or blended with Nerello Cappuccio.

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Origins and Spread of Nerello Mascalese

The Nerello Mascalese is a native Sicilian grape variety that takes its name from the Piana di Mascali, an area on the eastern slopes of theEtna. Its origins are lost in time, but its history is deeply tied to traditional Sicilian viticulture.Although it is also grown in other parts of Sicily, such as in the Madonie and in the Nebrodi Mountains, its greatest expression is reached in the vineyards of theEtna, thanks to the uniqueness of the volcanic soils and the extreme climatic conditions of this area.

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Ampelographic Characteristics

Nerello Mascalese is a variety whose ripening is late, which requires constant care in the vineyard to express its full potential.

• Bunch: Medium-sized, conical in shape and moderately compact.
• Berry: Small, with a thin blue-black skin.
• Resistance: Moderate disease resistance, but very sensitive to weather conditions.

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Sensory Profile of Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese stands out for its ability to produce wines of great elegance, depth e aromatic complexity, often compared to the great reds of Burgundy or to the Nebbiolo of Piedmont.

Aromas

• Red fruits: cherry, raspberry, redcurrant.
• Floral notes: dried rose, violet.
• Spicy hints: black pepper, cinnamon, tobacco.
• Minerality: graphite, flint, volcanic ash.

Palate

• Elegant, with tannins fine and well integrated.
• Acidity lively which gives freshness and longevity.
• Body medium with great length on the palate.
• Long capacity for ageing, during which it develops tertiary notes of leather, liquorice e undergrowth.

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The Terroir of Etna: The Cradle of Nerello Mascalese

TheEtna, with its mineral-rich volcanic soils, gives Nerello Mascalese a unique terroir. The vines grow between 500 and the 1.200 metres in altitude, among the highest vineyards in Europe.

Soil

• Rich in volcanic sands, ash, basalt e mineral notes.
• High drainage capacity, which protects the roots from excess moisture.

Climate

• Temperature swings significant between day and night.
• Climate continental tempered by the sea breezes.
• The influence of volcanic eruptions, which enrich the soil with minerals.

These climatic and geological conditions encourage slow, complete ripening of the grapes, contributing to the complexity and elegance of the wines.

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Wine Styles from Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese is an extremely versatile variety, able to give rise to different types of wine:

1. Red Wines

• Structured, elegant wines, with good acidity and silky tannins.
• Often made as a single variety in the appellations Etna Rosso DOC.
• In a blend with the Nerello Cappuccio to add colour and softness.

2. Rosé Wines

• Light and mineral, with notes of berries e spices, typical of the Etna Rosato DOC.

3. Metodo Classico Sparkling Wines

• Used for the production of elegant, mineral sparkling wines thanks to its natural acidity.

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Winemaking of Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese can be vinified in different ways, but the aim is usually to bring out the finesse and the minerality of the variety.

• Fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruity aromas.
• Ageing in oak casks large cask or barrique to integrate tannins and develop complexity.
• Long bottle ageing to bring out the aromatic evolution.

Many producers choose low-intervention approaches, using indigenous yeasts and reducing the use of sulphur, to express the terroir at its best.

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Food Pairings with Nerello Mascalese

Thanks to its elegant structure and to thevibrant acidity, Nerello Mascalese lends itself to many food pairings:

• Red meat grilled or braised.
• Game and game.
• Aged cheeses and hard cheeses.
• Mushroom-based dishes and truffle.
• Pasta with meat sauces or with wild boar ragù.

Its versatility also makes it suitable for typical Sicilian dishes, such as caponata or the braciole alla messinese.

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Why Choose a Nerello Mascalese?

The Nerello Mascalese represents the perfect synthesis of tradition e innovation, able to give wines of extraordinary elegance and depth. It is a variety that tells the story and the terroir of theEtna, offering authentic wines of great personality.Thanks to its longevity and to its ability to express different nuances depending on the production area, Nerello Mascalese is ideal for anyone looking for refined wines that can move and surprise.