Nerello Mascalese has come to prominence thanks to the renaissance that has taken place on the slopes of Mt Etna over the course of the past decade or so. Conparisons have been drawn between the red wines of Etna and red Burgundy.
One drawback with the wines of Mt Etna is the relatively high price for its entry level wines. If one wants to try Nerello Mascalese at a modest expense, the good news is that there are inexpensive examples of the variety being made elsewhere in Sicily.
This example, from Sicily’s wild west may not possess the finesse Nerello Mascalese grown on Etna, but it does provide an honest representation of the variety. Slightly rustic in feel, it is delivers a combination of berry fruit, dusty herbs and earthy notes.
2016 MOLINO A VENTO NERELLO MASCALESE
Producer: Terre Orestiade
Variety: Nerello Mascalese
Region: Sicily, Italy
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $20.00
Date tasted: 27 November 2017
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Clean nose of plum, dark cherry, freshly tilled earth, dried herbs. Medium bodied, savoury, quite rustic in feel. Dark berry fruit, dried thyme and sage. Spice. Earthy notes.
Score: 15/20
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