Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese is a dark-skinned grape variety that is most commonly grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. This variety has seen a rapid increase in popularity in recent years, producing taut, fresh red wines with fruity, herbaceous flavors, excellent minerality and an earthy nuance. Nerello Mascalese wines often have a perfume reminiscent of those of the noble wines of Barolo and Burgundy. It takes its name from the Mascali plain between Mount Etna and the coast where it is thought to have originated. It is often blended with Nerello Cappuccio and is the dominant grape in Etna and Faro DOC wines. The variety is also used in blends under the Sicilia IGT banner and in Calabria DOCs. Recent DNA testing has confirmed that Nerello Mascalese is the offspring of Italy's famous Sangiovese grape variety and Mantonico Bianco.