Nerello Mascalese

Also known as Niureddu Mascalisi.

Nerello Mascalese is the principal red grape of Mount Etna in north-eastern Sicily, taking its name from the Mascali plain on the volcano's eastern flank. It is the backbone of Etna Rosso and has drawn international attention for producing pale, aromatic, mineral reds from old bush vines on volcanic soils, often compared to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir for their transparency and sense of place.

The wines are light to medium in colour but firmly structured, with high acidity, fine but noticeable tannins, and red-fruit, floral and savoury volcanic-mineral character. Nerello Mascalese ripens late and responds strongly to altitude and contrada (vineyard site), making it one of Italy's great terroir grapes.