Nerello Mascalese’s story is deeply entwined with the history of Sicilian viticulture—its likely origins trace back centuries on the island, especially in and around the village of Mascali, from which its name derives. Vines have clung to Etna’s steep, blackened slopes since the times of ancient Greek settlers, but only recently has Nerello Mascalese emerged from obscurity. For decades, Etna’s wines were rustic and little-known outside the region, but a new generation of winemakers has unlocked the grape’s capacity for elegance, freshness, and extraordinary site expression. Today, Nerello Mascalese is recognized as one of Italy’s most exciting grapes, driving Mount Etna’s global wine resurgence.
Nerello Mascalese
Region: Europe
Nerello Mascalese is a rising star among Italy’s indigenous grapes, flourishing on the rugged slopes of Mount Etna in eastern Sicily. Etna Rosso DOC wines, its primary showcase, are prized for their haunting aromatics, lively acidity, and lithe structure—think of it as Sicily’s answer to Pinot Noir crossed with Nebbiolo. The grape yields pale to medium ruby wines with refined tannins, vivid minerality, and distinct notes of wild cherry, herbs, and volcanic ash. Wine lovers seek Nerello Mascalese for its transparent expression of Etna’s lava-rich soils and high-altitude vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Taste Profile
- Very Dry
- Medium Body
- Moderate Tannins
- High Acidity
- Approximately 13%
The History of Nerello Mascalese
FAQs About Nerello Mascalese
What foods pair well with Nerello Mascalese?
The wine’s balance and savory edge pair beautifully with Sicilian pork, mushroom dishes, grilled octopus, and tomato-based pastas.
Is Nerello Mascalese always grown on Mount Etna?
While Mount Etna is the grape’s spiritual home and source of its most coveted wines, small plantings exist elsewhere in Sicily; Etna’s volcanic soils remain unmatched for quality.
How is Nerello Mascalese different from Pinot Noir?
Though both can produce pale, fragrant wines, Nerello Mascalese shows more earthy, mineral, and herbal intensity, reflecting Etna’s unique terroir.
Is Nerello Mascalese suitable for aging?
Yes, top examples—especially from the best vineyard sites on Etna—can age 10–15 years or more, developing complex tertiary notes.
Can Nerello Mascalese be made into sparkling wine?
Absolutely. Some Sicilian producers craft metodo classico sparkling wines from Nerello Mascalese, prized for their freshness and volcanic minerality.