Nerello Mascalese

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One of the most important Sicilian grapes, Nerello Mascalese is indigenous to the slopes of Mount Etna in eastern Sicily. It makes up the highest proportion of the Etna Rosso DOC where it can be blended with Nerello Cappuccio and others. It is also found in Calabria on the mainland. Nerello Mascalese tends to make lighter coloured wines in the ruby spectrum with good levels of alcohol and an ability to transmit the character of Etna's volcanic soils. The grape's excellent acidity helps to make distinctive, noble reds with red fruit flavours and a freshness that belies its southern Mediterranean origins.