Join the PackGrapes A–Z
Wine UnderdogsWine Underdogs™
Join the Pack

Underdog Grape · Sicily

Nerello Mascalese

Pronounced neh-REL-loh mas-kah-LEH-zeh

On the slopes of Europe's most active volcano grow some of Italy's most thrilling reds — pale, perfumed, and ageworthy, often from ungrafted vines older than your grandparents. Meet Nerello Mascalese.

Tasting profile
Full tasting notes live in the deep dive.
Where it grows
Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Explore the field guide
Where to buy
For specific bottles and where to buy them, read the deep dive.

Keep exploring

The region

Mount Etna, Sicily

If you like

Pinot NoirChiantiBeaujolais

Wines like Nerello Mascalese

GrignolinoBobalMondeuseRefosco

Nerello Mascalese: common questions

What wine is Nerello Mascalese similar to?
If you usually drink Pinot Noir, Chianti or Beaujolais, Nerello Mascalese is the underdog swap to try. Other lesser-known grapes in the same style: Grignolino, Bobal, Mondeuse.
Read the deep diveNerello Mascalese: Wine Grown on a Living Volcano

JOIN THE PACK

Whatever you drink now, there's an underdog you'd like more.

One overlooked wine at a time: what it tastes like, the famous one it can replace, and the catch. Free.

Or peek at ten to start with →