Nerello cappuccio

Nerello cappuccio has always been considered the second most important red grape of Etna (Italy) after nerello mascalese. Unlike the latter, the nerello cappuccio grape is very rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols. It has a thicker skin that gives it its classic purple color. The cluster is medium-sized, short, pyramidal, and compact in appearance. The grape is medium, spherical, and regular in shape; its flesh is juicy and soft with a mild flavor.

The wine obtained, when it is a nerello cappuccio single varietal, is usually ruby red with violet hues. It has intense and fruity aromas, reminiscent of jam and ripe cherries, with ethereal notes when the wine is aged. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with good tannins and great aromatic persistence.

The nerello cappuccio grape is commonly used in Etna Rosso D.O.C. as a blending grape that adds color and alcohol to the wine. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of vinifications combining nerello cappuccio and nerello mascalese, to create wines that are more approachable than the traditional ones from Etna.