RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Nerello Cappuccio is a red grape variety native to eastern Sicily, historically linked to the slopes of Etna and the provinces of Catania and Messina. Its origins are not precisely documented, but it already appears in the 19th century as a traditional variety of Etna wines, cultivated alongside Nerello Mascalese

The name “ Cappuccio ” is attributed to the shape of the bunch, often wrapped in a sort of leafy “hood,” and emphasizes its ampelographic diversity compared to other red grapes in the region.

Historically used as a blending variety to add color, softness, and aromas, it is now the subject of growing interest thanks to the valorization of the Etna and Messina denominations.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1970, most of the Nerello Cappuccio vineyard area is located in eastern Sicily. Its main area is the Etna DOC, especially on the southern and eastern slopes, where it is grown alongside Nerello Mascalese. It is also a traditional component of the Faro DOC and Mamertino DOC denominations in the Messina hills, where it contributes to the structure of the local wines. It is also authorized in Calabria where it is called Magliocco Dolce.

Compared to Nerello Mascalese, it has greater pigmentation and a more evident aromatic character, with herbaceous and spicy nuances already perceptible in the berry.

From an oenological perspective, Nerello Cappuccio stands out for its ability to add color, softness, and aroma to blends. Compared to the more austere and tannic Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio offers softer tannins, greater fruitiness, and a warmer aromatic profile. Vinification as a single varietal yields red wines with good freshness and medium structure, but its primary role remains as a complementary component in Etna wines. It lends itself well to medium-long macerations and aging in steel or large oak barrels, which preserves its fragrance without overpowering the fruit. (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=8478

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: The wine made from Nerello Cappuccio has an intense ruby color with purple highlights. The nose offers notes of cherry, small black fruit, pepper, Mediterranean herbs, and occasional floral and balsamic hints.
On the palate, it is soft and fresh, with more docile tannins than Nerello Mascalese and a good flavor, linked to the volcanic soils. The structure is medium, the drinkability is high. In Etna blends, it helps soften the austerity of Mascalese, providing balance, color, and a more immediate aromatic component.(Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

Food pairings: It pairs beautifully with structured but not excessively heavy dishes, such as pasta with ragù, grilled meat (pork, lamb), cured meats, semi-mature cheeses and mushroom-based dishes.

Production areas: Etna DOC, Faro DOC, Mamertino DOC.

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/nerello-cappuccio-nerello-mantellato-maglioccodolce-zucchero-cannella/

https://winesafariitalia.com/nerello-cappuccio/

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