Nerello Cappuccio – Nerello Mascalese is a blend of two very Sicilian grape varieties. Together they are the mainstay of quality red wines from Sicily`s east coast and have long been a popular choice for wines made under the Sicilia DOC. The pair are in fact two mutations of a single variety, although the original archetypal Nerello is rarely referred to in ampelographic literature.

Grapes selected from vineyards located on the North, South-east, and South-west slopes of Mount Etna.

Nerello Mascalese (c.80-85%), Etna’s noble red grape variety, and Nerello Cappuccio (c.15-20%) are grown on sandy, volcanic soils that are rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction. Vines range in age from 10 to 60 years and are trained in both “alberello” (head-trained bush) and spurred cordon systems, with densities of 6,000 to 8,000 vine stocks per hectare and yields of 7,000 to 8,000 kg/ha. Vineyards vary in elevation from 450 m to 900 m  a.s.l. The climate type ranges from high hill to mountain, with a humid and rainy cooler season, high ventilation, luminosity, and a significant diurnal range.

Tasting Notes: Balanced, dry, medium-bodied, mineral with a pleasant acidity
and saline notes, red fruit aromas, persistent. 

Food Pairing: A very versatile wine to be paired with white and red meats and cheeses but also with fish.