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Red Grape · Sicily
For wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs in the UK seeking a unique sip that epitomises Mediterranean flair, the Nerello Mascalese [Neh-rel-loh Mas-ka-leh-seh] grape is a must-try. This indigenous Sicilian variety, predominantly grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, has Greek roots dating back to ancient times. Boasting a complex profile that dances between fruity and spicy, mineral-rich and tannic, Nerello Mascalese wines pair impeccably with quintessentially British dishes like a hearty meat pie or a sumptuous mushroom risotto. Welcome to the alluring world of Nerello Mascalese.
Taste · Where it sits
Forget scores out of five. Here’s Nerello Mascalese described against grapes you already know.
Key flavours
The map
Nerello Mascalese is medium-bodied, firm tannin, mapped against other red grapes you can buy. The closer a grape sits, the more its weight and grip resemble Nerello Mascalese.
Serving guide
Serve at
16-18°C
Decant
1 hours
Glass
Tulip Glass
Drink within
3-5 days
Cellar
5-10 years
On the table
Start with the home-table matches that made the grape, then browse the full cuisine library.
Browse every pairing
Buy it · three to start with
A curated trio across the price range, then every Nerello Mascalese on sale in the UK right now.
12 of 36 bottles
2 retailers
Sicilia
2 retailers
£11.74
2 retailers
Etna
2 retailers
£18.33
2 retailers
Sicilia
2 retailers
£19.60
2 retailers
Etna
2 retailers
£19.35
£21.19
2 retailers
Etna
2 retailers
£21.35
2 retailers
Etna
2 retailers
£25.24
2 retailers
Etna
2 retailers
£24.41
£29.52
2 retailers
Etna
2 retailers
£26.63
1 retailer
Etna
1 retailer
£15.56
1 retailer
Etna
1 retailer
£20.03
1 retailer
Etna
1 retailer
£18.77
£20.68
1 retailer
Etna
1 retailer
£21.34
£26.09
Denominations
The appellations where Nerello Mascalese plays a starring role.
Where it grows
Volcanic Nerello on Etna's black terraces, sun-baked Nero d'Avola on the south-east coast, fortified Marsala in Trapani and UNESCO Zibibbo on Pantelleria: Sicily holds Italy's widest single-region wine map.
Editorial
When it comes to serving Nerello Mascalese, attention to detail can elevate your drinking experience. For starters, aim for a serving temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. A large, tulip-shaped glass will allow the wine's nuanced aromas to fully express themselves. If the wine is particularly young or tannic, consider decanting it for at least 45 minutes to an hour before serving. Once opened, a bottle of Nerello Mascalese can last for up to 3-5 days if re-corked and stored in a cool, dark place. For those who wish to age this wine, a well-maintained cellar can keep Nerello Mascalese in optimal conditions for 5-10 years.
The grape's history is as rich as its flavour profile. Some scholars believe Nerello Mascalese made its way to Italy during the Greek colonization in the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Although originally passed through Calabria, it found its permanent home in Sicily during Roman times, specifically in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. This unique terroir imbues the grape with its distinctive mineral notes, making it a point of fascination for wine lovers, British or otherwise.
The grape's name is another captivating element. "Nerello" reflects the dark hue of the grape skins, whereas "Mascalese" pays homage to Mascali, a region in Catania where the grape thrives. Mascali's fertile, volcanic soil and strong agricultural tradition offer ideal conditions for the grape, sealing its status as a beloved local variety.
Nerello Mascalese is highly adaptable, capable of reflecting the characteristics of its terroir, which includes volcanic-lava-rich soil, and a unique climate marked by dramatic temperature shifts. It matures late in the season, usually around the second decade of October, adding a layer of complexity to its harvest. Despite the dark implication in its name, the grape has a light-blue skin, making it easily distinguishable from other varieties.
Nerello Mascalese goes by another name among the local Sicilian viticulturists - "Niuriddu Mascalisi." So if you ever hear this term, rest assured that it’s our grape in question.
Good to know
No, while Nerello Mascalese is predominantly grown in Sicily - especially around the Etna volcano in the province of Catania - it has also started to make its presence felt in other regions of Italy. In particular, there's growing interest in Calabria. However, its deep-rooted connection with Sicilian terroir makes it a signature grape of the region.
No, Nerello Mascalese is not cultivated in Greece. Though some scholars believe the grape was introduced to Italy during the period of Greek colonization around the 8th-7th century B.C., it has primarily grown in Italy, specifically in Sicily.
Nerello Mascalese is often blended with Nerello Cappuccio, another indigenous Sicilian grape, especially in the Etna Rosso wines. The typical blend comprises at least 80% Nerello Mascalese and up to 20% Nerello Cappuccio.
While Nerello Mascalese wines are increasingly available in specialised wine shops, you can also find them online. If you're keen on trying a tipple, you don't have to fly to Sicily to get a bottle. Above, you will find our curated selection.
Yes, Nerello Mascalese is a late-ripening grape, usually harvested around the second week of October. Its late ripening allows for a long growing season, which contributes to its complex flavor profile.
The grape's ability to adapt to its local environment, especially the volcanic soils of Etna, makes it truly unique. Its wines express a strong sense of place, capturing the essence of the terroir they come from.
Explore by style
Jump to the editorial guide for each style this grape turns up in.
Keep exploring
333 wines
32 denominations
