Nerello Mascalese
Grape varietyWikipedia
28
MENTIONS
7
EPISODES
6
PODCASTS
Search complete. 28 mentions across 7 episodes found for "Nerello Mascalese".
Oct 16, 2026
Gerald LuGUEST
Like, like Sicily.
Gerald LuGUEST
Nerello Mascalese, which are made from these contradas, right, which are very elegant by some producers.
Gerald LuGUEST
People are very excited about them.
Gerald LuGUEST
I think if we can find a way to look at some of these other regions that are not so famous, but have producers who are making wines in this modern style of winemaking, I think it's quite fun.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
So you have the Nebrodi and the Peloritani Mountains that are here, higher and cooler mountains.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
This is where the biggest concentration of producers are, and most of them are growing Nerello Mascalese.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
The north is best for Nerello Mascalese, which is the main grape in Etna Rosso or red.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
On the eastern slope, near the Ionian Sea, this area is exposed to rain, to winds.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
They have to train in bush vines on these very small terraces high up in elevation, 900 meters to almost 3,000 feet above sea level.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
And then if we move down south, the southeastern slope, again, you're having bush vines because you have some sea breezes, and you have to protect your vines.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
Bush vines are good at taking in the breezes, harsh breezes, and sun.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
They can be shaded, so Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grow there.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
So we've got some of those pyrazines, right, that we had with the Cabernet Sauvignon, that green pepper note.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
But the Nerello Mascalese goes a step further and it's more of a chili pepper.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
It has those kind of same savory notes that give the wine a lot of depth and boldness.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
Nerello Mascalese also has slightly softer, chalkier tannins and a higher natural acidity than a heavy Cabernet.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
So if you enjoy Cabernet but want something that's just a little lighter, a little brighter, maybe that pairs with a slightly lighter dish, so maybe you're having instead of steak, you're having pork, right? That might be a good opportunity to give Nerello Mascalese a try.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
This one surprisingly, while Italy labels most of their wines, again, by the region and not the grape, you will actually find some Nerello Mascaleses from Italy labeled Nerello Mascalese.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
Otherwise, look for wines that are from Sicily, red wines from Sicily, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Haley BeaulmonHOST
Go to your local wine shop, ask them if they have any Nerello Mascalese.
Matteo BollaGUEST
So that's mainly designed for on-premise, for mixology, for banquets, for catering.
Matteo BollaGUEST
And then our special edition line that today sees the floral, this beautiful rosé made with Nerello Mascalese from Sicily and Glera.
Matteo BollaGUEST
Very unique blend.
Matteo BollaGUEST
75% Nerello, 25% Glera.
Matt TalbotGUEST
And at what point is we just run out of things to give them? But, you know, we're seeing Aceto planted in Australia now, and, um, we've got a great Italian family in, in Heathcote in Victoria, not far from where you're from, that are championing, um, a lot of Italian varieties.
Matt TalbotGUEST
You know, they've got, uh, Nerello Mascalese on the ground now.
Paul KalemkiarianHOST
Yeah.
Matt TalbotGUEST
Is it g- is Heathcote the place to grow it? I'm not sure.
Matt TalbotGUEST
But, you know, we're seeing Aceto planted in Australia now, and, um, we've got a great Italian family in, in Heathcote, in Victoria, not far from where you're from, that are championing, um, a lot of Italian varieties.
Matt TalbotGUEST
You know, they've got, uh, Nerello Mascalese on the ground now.
Paul KalemkiarianHOST
Yeah.
Matt TalbotGUEST
Is it g- is Heathcote the place to grow it? I'm not sure.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
Another in the same vein is another Italian wine, Etna Rosso.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
This is made mainly of Nerello Mascalese on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
These wines range in flavor.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
You need something medium bodied.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
These can be very, very light wines, and that's what makes them so beautiful.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
And medium bodied wines, I'm thinking of Pietro Dolce, fantastic producer.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
Etna Rosso Pietro Dolce I think would be a, just even their basic Nerello Mascalese, not even their single vineyard, so great with this dish.
Elizabeth SchneiderHOST
I think it would be really great to stand up to the sage.