Nerello Mascalese (Italy)
Nerello Mascalese is a red wine grape from the Etna region in Sicily.
Typical Flavors
 Strawberry |
 Red Cherry |
 Cherry |
 Plum |
 Licorice |
 Spices |
 Leather |
 Volcanic |
Wild Strawberry flavors are typical for Nerello Mascalese, with hints of Cinnamon.
Profile
Nerello Mascalese is light in color and tannins but big on flavor and acid.
| BODY | Light | ||
| TANNINS | Low | ||
| FRUIT | Medium - High | ||
| ACIDITY | High | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
 Antipasti |
 Salami |
 Ham |
 Soups |
 Pasta |
 Mushroom |
 Risotto |
 Truffle |
 Pizza |
 Sandwitch |
 Hamburger |
 Chili |
 Goose |
 Duck |
 Rabbit |
 Pork |
Nerello Mascalese is very food friendly, much like Pinot Noir.
It can be paired with a wide variety of dishes, especially grilled or roasted white meat.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Antipasti. Charcuterie.
Pasta. Sicilian Pesto.
Mushroom. Truffle.
Roasted Mushrooms. Mushroom Risotto.
Grilled or Roasted White Meat.
Poultry. Duck. Goose. Rabbit.
Grilled Pork. Ham. Bacon. Veal.
Salmon. Tuna. Swordfish.
Spices:
Basil. Cilantro. Coriander. Mint.
Cheese:
Comté. Brie. Camembert. Jarlsberg. Goat.
Ragusano. Pecorino. Caciocavallo.
Sicilian Specialities:
Caponata (Coocked Veggies).
Pasta con Sarde (Sardines).
Anelletti al Forno (Baked Pasta).
Involtini alla Siciliana (Veal Rolls).
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The Ideal Glass
The Burgundy glass is perfect for a light and fruity red wine.
The glass is broader than other red wine glasses.
The larger bowl has the function of accumulating the aromas of delicate red wines. It also allows a proper swirling, channeling the aromas upwards.
In addition, the style of the glass directs the wine to the tip of your tongue
for a better reception of the tastes.
About Etna DOC Rosso
Nerello Mascalese is the main grape in the Etna DOC Rosso (1968):
| Name | Alcohol | Grapes |
| Rose Rosato | 12.5% | Min 80% Nerello Mascalese. Max 20% Nerello Cappuccio. |
| Red Rosso | 12.5% | Min 80% Nerello Mascalese. Max 20% Nerello Cappuccio. |
| Red Riserva | 13.0% | Min 80% Nerello Mascalese. Max 20% Nerello Cappuccio. |
Lately, Etna Rosso has ben known as "Burgundy of the Mediterranean".
The wine is produced on the belt that covers the slopes of Etna, in Sicily.
The vineyards grow on volcanic soils, giving the characteristic aromas, while the steady stream of smoke provides nutrients for the terroir.
Low rainfall, well-drained soils, Mediterranean climate, high elevation, and cooler nights are ideal conditions.
Etna D.O.C. territory is closely tied to the biggest active volcano in Europe - Etna. Much of it is covered with crops and natural vegetation. Among the cultivated species the grape vine has always played a major role.
Sicilia (Sicily)
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. The capital is Palermo.
It is known for old ruins, sandy beaches, seafood, and the Marsala dessert wine.
Sicily is also well respected for the dry wines of Etna and Vittoria.
Red Wines:
Cerasuolo
Etna Rosso
Frappato
Nerello Mascalese
Nero d'Avola
Perricone
White Wines:
Carricante
Cataratto
Etna Bianco
Fiano
Grillo
Inzolia
Malvasia Secco
Sicilia Bianco
Rosé Wines:
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Nero d'Avola Rosato
