Nerello Mascalese
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Nerello (Etna)
Nerello Mascalese is a red wine grape with signature aromas of sour cherry, dried herbs, smoke. Structure: Medium body, High acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Pinot Noir and Sangiovese.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for high acidity and pale-to-medium color before declaring Nebbiolo (#8417).
- Confirm sour-cherry and smoky volcanic cues with moderate tannin.
Confidence signals
- Sour cherry with volcanic smoke
- High acidity with moderate tannin
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Etna Rosso · Faro · Sicily
- Classic styles: Volcanic high-acid Sicilian red · Pale-rim aromatic Etna mountain red
Common questions
Is Nerello Mascalese a red or white grape variety?
Nerello Mascalese is a red wine grape variety.
What does Nerello Mascalese smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Nerello Mascalese include sour cherry, dried herbs and smoke. Structural profile: Medium body, High acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Nerello Mascalese?
Documented tells for Nerello Mascalese: Look for high acidity and pale-to-medium color before declaring Nebbiolo (#8417). and Confirm sour-cherry and smoky volcanic cues with moderate tannin..
What is Nerello Mascalese most often confused with in blind tasting?
Nerello Mascalese is most commonly confused with Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Nerello Mascalese grown?
Classic regions for Nerello Mascalese include Etna Rosso, Faro and Sicily.