Nerello

[nay-RAY-loh] Grown in Sicily, this red-grape variety comes in two versions-Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mascalese. The latter appears to have the most potential and is the most widely cultivated. Nerello Mascalese is used primarily as a blending wine, providing a spicy, aromatic character that helps add complexity to wines. In the wines of the Faro DOC, Nerello Mascalese grapes make up from 45 to 60 percent, whereas Nerello Cappuccio grapes account for from 15 to 30 percent. They make up even higher proportions in the etna doc reds.