If you don’t already know Nerello Mascalese, you should. It stars in some of Sicily’s most exciting reds, thriving in the region’s volcanic soils on the eastern side of the island. Many liken Nerello Mascalese to the Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, praising its lingering minerality and bright acidity, but the wines can actually be quite fruit-forward, full-bodied, and tannic at times, particularly when the vines are planted at lower elevations. In reality, Nerello Mascalese can make a myriad of red, rosé, and even sparkling wines, from light and lithe to powerful and complex, which makes it all the more exciting to keep an eye on.
Get acquainted with this Sicilian superstar with our illustrated guide to Nerello Mascalese.
