1

Red Wine

Nerello Mascalese

Typically wines made from the Nerellos exude an entrancing perfume with a delicacy, elegance, and, sophistication that carries through to the palate.

Where is it grown?
With vineyards from 400-1100m in elevation.

Wines of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio have been called the Barolo of the South by some, Italy’s Burgundy by others. I prefer to call them, simply, great wines from Etna.

Indigenous to the Etna region, Nerrello meaning Black and Mascalese derived from Mascali, a commune to the east of Etna. Research indicates it is possibly a cross between Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco. That parentage would make it a sibling of Gaglioppo from Calabria. The full parentage in any number of different varieties have yet to be determined.  Commercial Nerello Mascalese plantings often include several unidentified varieties. Some genetic work suggests Nerello Mascalese could be related to the white grape Carricante.

Nerello Mascalese is typically the dominant of the two varieties when blended with Nerello Cappuccio. I’ve only once had the opportunity to try a 100% Nerello Cappuccio from Calabretta. The tannins by comparison to their Nerello Mascalese dominant wines are a little more supple and fine. The core of fruit is again epic, an edge more immediately generous. There is a sense of purity about this wine. It had an edge more generous and round fruit. You can easily see a blend benefiting from this.

We are also seeing the introduction of other varieties to the hill. Like Buscemi’s Contrada ‘Tarataci’, SRC’s ‘Rivaggi’ is blended with Grenache, their Etna Rosso with Sangiovese, the Alberello (which translates to bush vine) being the only 100% Nerello wine.

If you take a short trip from Etna to Faro, with only 35 acres of vines for the entire appellation, located on the North East tip of the island, Casematte are making excellent blends. Their top wine the ‘Faro’ blends Nerello Mascelese wines blended with Nerello Cappuccio, Nocciola, and Nero d’Avola.  The level of intrigue is off-tap, such complexity and harmony. I was fortunate enough to devour one a week ago. Accidentally leaving a half glass in the bottle proved I should have been more patient. The wine went to the next level with 24 hours of air! The Nocciola adds a degree of richness and generosity without overwhelming the Nerello. Somewhat like the Grenache in SRC’s Rivaggi. Casematte’s second wine the Peloro blends Nerello Mascalese with Nocciola and is a triumph.

In a nutshell, with varieties suited to the climate, old vines, and, good vineyard management there’s plenty of good material to work with. As lovers of delicious beverages, we got to watch, play, and, drink as the those who labour on the slopes of Etna and Faro strive to make even more exceptional wines.

What does it taste like?
Whilst Nerello Mascalese’s enormous bunches, with their big berries, result in wines of a relatively pale appearance, there is nothing insignificant about their aromas, flavours, and, textures.

The lower lying vineyards tend to yield bolder styles, while the higher sites offer greater restraint often being quite ethereal. Texturally the tannins often remind of a more supple Barolo.

You can read more about the wines of Etna in the Wine Bites Mag article ‘Getting Your Head Around Sicily’s Mount Etna’


Girolamo Russo - The Beginning!



Girolamo Russo's 2019 Contrada


The soil here is easily recognizable as it is by far the rockiest of all the Crus . The ground is covered by small light black volcanic pumice rocks and is some of the oldest and 'purest ' as well as poorest soils on Etna. This is very rare and only appears in two of all the Cru's .. Calderara Sottana and partially San Lorenzo. "Really enticing nose with rich and ripe berries, tinged with notes of bright spice, truffley mushrooms and fresh flowers. Hint of orangey freshness, too. Medium-bodi
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+
This is delicious, rounder generosity that San Lorenzo offers is there yet again there is a delicacy and harmony. Very together, lovely fine acid and depth of tannin here. Still in the red fruited spectrum there is an excellent presence about this. 12 ha between 700 and 800m altitude, some 100-year old bush-vines, some new plantings which have been self-propagated from the old ones . The soil is a younger layer of volcanic rock approximately 2,500 years old on Giuseppe's area . San Lo
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+
Only 1,000 Bottles!
There’s a little something savoury in the mix, the tannins here whilst more pronounced are not at all in the way. Like the rest Arina and San Lorenzo this is an example of putting the fruit first. A little darker in flavours than the San Lorenzo. Yet not dramatically so. A large cru in the appellation, at around 650m, but Giuseppe has a very special parcel less than than 1 ha in size, with 100+-year-old bush vines. Dark mature profound fruit, balsamic notes, and velvety tannins as the
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+

🎥Watch or 🎧listen, the choice is yours! Enjoy!


Graci's 2019 Arcurìa + Buscemi's 2019 Contrada Tataraci + Friends


Although Alberto Graci & Mirella Buscemi are married, indeed the Tartaraci vineyard was an engagement present from Alberto to Mirella, they manage and make their wines independently.

A playful light red to start!

Only 8 Bottles Available!

Buscemi ‘Il Bianco’ 2020

White Blend | Etna, Italy

Etna Whites are a Thing of Beauty! The tiny white plantings for ‘Il Bianco’ 2020 are similarly a ‘field blend’ of carricante with greganico dorato, which ampelographers have determined is one and the same as garganega (the principal variety for Soave in the Veneto, also grown on basaltic lava). 2020 was a pretty straightforward season with beautifully stable weather in October – the whites have great texture, drinkability and exotic fruit character. Simply delicious with excelle
$86
$82ea in any 3+
$78ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi ‘Il Rosso’ 2019

Red Blend | Etna, Italy

Buscemi's 'Il Rossoi' is much more than just the perfect light to medium bodied summer red! What a delight! As expected from a vineyard at 980m above see level this looks very much like a cool climate rendition of Grenache. The Nerellos adding to the texture and complexity. Fine boned with a line of dusty tannins, the crunchy cherry bomb fruit balances juicy acid nicely. Full of energy & freshness, a superb light to medium bodied summer red. Mirella conducts the hand harvest in late Octob
$50
$47ea in any 3+
$44ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi ‘Il Rosso’ 2018

Red Blend | Etna, Italy

Buscemi's 'Il Rossoi' is much more than just the perfect light to medium bodied summer red! What a delight! As expected from a vineyard at 980m above see level this looks very much like a cool climate rendition of Grenache. The Nerellos adding to the texture and complexity. Fine boned with a line of dusty tannins, the crunchy cherry bomb fruit balances juicy acid nicely. Full of energy & freshness, a superb light to medium bodied summer red. Mirella conducts the hand harvest in late Octob
$51
$48ea in any 3+
$45ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi Contrada Tartaraci Rosso 2019

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

Buscemi's 'Tartaraci' is blended with a splash of Grenache Buscemi's single vineyard red from the Contrada of Tartaraci lies at an elevation of 980m above sea level expect elegances and perfume! It has a good slug of Grenache in it running at upto 30%. The Contrada Tartaraci Rosso IGP, not produced in 2018, the 2019 is a return to a Nerello dominant wine, with the earlier drinking il Rosso 2019, retaining a higher ratio of Granaccia (Grenache) in the blend. This wine always shows great touch.
Grace & Power

Graci ‘Arcurìa’ Nerello Mascelese 2019

Nerello Mascalese | Etna, Sicily

There's an incredible diversity of styles across Etna, Arcurìa, is divine, delicate, perfumed, resting firmly in the feminine camp! The Arcurìa is beautifully fine and long, with a sense of grace and delicious perfume that entrances. Essential to give it a decanter and plenty of time for it to show you its full potential. Boy, when it does you go to a happy place. Graci, are, killing it! These are refined wines, beautifully balanced, elegant, with amazing textures, and, entrancing perfumes.
$102
$97ea in any 3+
$92ea in any 6+

Passopisciaro Passorosso Etna Rosso


Fantastic Way to Explore Etna!

The Single Vineyard Wines

Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. “Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint an
$170
$163ea in any 3+
$156ea in any 6+
The lowest of Passopisciaro's contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine. The Chippemacine and Sciaranuovo tend t
$170
$163ea in any 3+
$156ea in any 6+

Terre Nerre's Contrada & Friends


Marco’s 2020 Etna Rosso is a Little Ripper!

Our Final Shipment of 2018 Red Contrada!

The latest Contrada from Terre Nere! Complex aromas of ripe berries with toffee, cedar and some floral undertones. Hot ash as well. The palate is full-bodied, but tight and linear with a chewy palate and lots of dried-peach and orange-peel undertones to the ripe fruit, but always linear and focused. Try after 2022. Suckling
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
The Feudo di Mezzo from Terre Nere has more immediate generosity. Showing more of itself earlier than higher vineyards of Santo Spirito and Guardiola The purity of fruit and brightness is very impressive with blackberry, cherry and walnut undertones. It’s full, very tight and complete with really fine, polished tannins and a beautiful, long finish. Really balanced. Drink or hold. Suckling Feudo di Mezzo is a larger Contrada, sub-plots within it are important to recognise. One day I'll ge
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
Right next to Guardiola
Sophistication, perfectly ripe yet not over ripe fruit. Very much in the mould of the Guardiola and Rampante Contrada! A tight, linear red, showing cherry, watermelon and orange-peel aromas with hints of violets. It’s medium-bodied with a solid center palate and a racy finish. Drink or hold. Suckling
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+

2019 Red Contrada have arrived too!

The latest Contrada from Terre Nere! No reviews available. I had a chance to suck on a 2017, a tasty beverage, clear the vineyard has strong potential.
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+

Etna is doing it's thing! Lave Juice My Friends!


Filters & Sorting

Showing 27 Delicious Wines!

Lava Juice!

Buscemi ‘Il Rosso’ 2019

Red Blend | Etna, Italy

Buscemi's 'Il Rossoi' is much more than just the perfect light to medium bodied summer red! What a delight! As expected from a vineyard at 980m above see level this looks very much like a cool climate rendition of Grenache. The Nerellos adding to the texture and complexity. Fine boned with a line of dusty tannins, the crunchy cherry bomb fruit balances juicy acid nicely. Full of energy & freshness, a superb light to medium bodied summer red. Mirella conducts the hand harvest in late Octob
$50
$47ea in any 3+
$44ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi ‘Il Rosso’ 2018

Red Blend | Etna, Italy

Buscemi's 'Il Rossoi' is much more than just the perfect light to medium bodied summer red! What a delight! As expected from a vineyard at 980m above see level this looks very much like a cool climate rendition of Grenache. The Nerellos adding to the texture and complexity. Fine boned with a line of dusty tannins, the crunchy cherry bomb fruit balances juicy acid nicely. Full of energy & freshness, a superb light to medium bodied summer red. Mirella conducts the hand harvest in late Octob
$51
$48ea in any 3+
$45ea in any 6+
The Pink Link 🌹

Terre Nere Etna Rosato 2022

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun! Ultra pale onion-peel pink. Herbs, almond paste, fresh flowers and cherry skin on the fresh nose. Then bright and juicy in the mouth too, with a subtle gingery bite to the red fruit and herb flavors. Closes long and saline. 100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun!
$64
$61ea in any 3+
$58ea in any 6+

Girolamo Russo ‘a Rina Etna Rosso 2021

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

With fruit sourced from the Contradas of San Lorenzo, Feudo and Calderara Sottana there is some serious pedigree to the vineyards and it shows in the wine! This is the entry-level red from Girolamo Russo. Made with Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio blended from various vineyard sites, the 2021 Etna Rosso 'a Rina offers terrific value with wild berry, blue flower and crushed stone over an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance. Monica Larner, The Wine Advoc
$67
$64ea in any 3+
$61ea in any 6+
Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2022
Wonderful Perfume!

Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2022

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

A Ripper from Marco! A great introduction to the wines of Mount Etna. Terre Nere's Etna Rosso blends Nerello Mascalese with just a splash of Nerello Cappuccio & is always fun! Passopisciaro lured me to Mount Etna, Terre Nere doubled down & Girolamo Russo confirmed they were no fluke! From the Rosso & Bianco through to the Contrade wines they are filled with personality. Terre Nere's Etna Rosso is beautifully poised.  The energy here pulsates through the wine. The perfume of vi
$67
$64ea in any 3+
$61ea in any 6+
Lava Juice!

Buscemi Contrada Tartaraci Rosso 2019

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

Buscemi's 'Tartaraci' is blended with a splash of Grenache Buscemi's single vineyard red from the Contrada of Tartaraci lies at an elevation of 980m above sea level expect elegances and perfume! It has a good slug of Grenache in it running at upto 30%. The Contrada Tartaraci Rosso IGP, not produced in 2018, the 2019 is a return to a Nerello dominant wine, with the earlier drinking il Rosso 2019, retaining a higher ratio of Granaccia (Grenache) in the blend. This wine always shows great touch.
Grace & Power

Graci ‘Arcurìa’ Nerello Mascelese 2019

Nerello Mascalese | Etna, Sicily

There's an incredible diversity of styles across Etna, Arcurìa, is divine, delicate, perfumed, resting firmly in the feminine camp! The Arcurìa is beautifully fine and long, with a sense of grace and delicious perfume that entrances. Essential to give it a decanter and plenty of time for it to show you its full potential. Boy, when it does you go to a happy place. Graci, are, killing it! These are refined wines, beautifully balanced, elegant, with amazing textures, and, entrancing perfumes.
$102
$97ea in any 3+
$92ea in any 6+
🦋🦋🦋

Calabretta Little A & Butterfly 2016

Nerello Mascalese | Sicily, Etna

Such personality and intrigue A fine floral perfume lifts from the glass. Lovely tannins, texture, and, the hallmark Calabretta core of fruit.
$110
$105ea in any 3+
$100ea in any 6+
The latest Contrada from Terre Nere! Complex aromas of ripe berries with toffee, cedar and some floral undertones. Hot ash as well. The palate is full-bodied, but tight and linear with a chewy palate and lots of dried-peach and orange-peel undertones to the ripe fruit, but always linear and focused. Try after 2022. Suckling
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
The Feudo di Mezzo from Terre Nere has more immediate generosity. Showing more of itself earlier than higher vineyards of Santo Spirito and Guardiola The purity of fruit and brightness is very impressive with blackberry, cherry and walnut undertones. It’s full, very tight and complete with really fine, polished tannins and a beautiful, long finish. Really balanced. Drink or hold. Suckling Feudo di Mezzo is a larger Contrada, sub-plots within it are important to recognise. One day I'll ge
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
Right next to Guardiola
Sophistication, perfectly ripe yet not over ripe fruit. Very much in the mould of the Guardiola and Rampante Contrada! A tight, linear red, showing cherry, watermelon and orange-peel aromas with hints of violets. It’s medium-bodied with a solid center palate and a racy finish. Drink or hold. Suckling
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
The latest Contrada from Terre Nere! No reviews available. I had a chance to suck on a 2017, a tasty beverage, clear the vineyard has strong potential.
$114
$109ea in any 3+
$104ea in any 6+
The soil here is easily recognizable as it is by far the rockiest of all the Crus . The ground is covered by small light black volcanic pumice rocks and is some of the oldest and 'purest ' as well as poorest soils on Etna. This is very rare and only appears in two of all the Cru's .. Calderara Sottana and partially San Lorenzo. "Really enticing nose with rich and ripe berries, tinged with notes of bright spice, truffley mushrooms and fresh flowers. Hint of orangey freshness, too. Medium-bodi
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+
This is delicious, rounder generosity that San Lorenzo offers is there yet again there is a delicacy and harmony. Very together, lovely fine acid and depth of tannin here. Still in the red fruited spectrum there is an excellent presence about this. 12 ha between 700 and 800m altitude, some 100-year old bush-vines, some new plantings which have been self-propagated from the old ones . The soil is a younger layer of volcanic rock approximately 2,500 years old on Giuseppe's area . San Lo
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+
Only 1,000 Bottles!
There’s a little something savoury in the mix, the tannins here whilst more pronounced are not at all in the way. Like the rest Arina and San Lorenzo this is an example of putting the fruit first. A little darker in flavours than the San Lorenzo. Yet not dramatically so. A large cru in the appellation, at around 650m, but Giuseppe has a very special parcel less than than 1 ha in size, with 100+-year-old bush vines. Dark mature profound fruit, balsamic notes, and velvety tannins as the
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+
Only 1,000 Bottles!
The Girolamo Russo 2020 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo opens to a hint of salinity or minerality that is specific to this site. Those linear aromas tend to frame a tight core of wild fruit, white cherry, apricot and mountain flowers like blue bonnet or Sicilian ginestra, which grows with yellow blooms on the flanks of the volcano. The wine's interesting saltiness cedes directly to the mouthfeel. The tannins are more prominent in this vintage. You should get very good aging potential from this bottle.
$140
$135ea in any 3+
$130ea in any 6+