The red grape variety originates from Italy. The epithet is derived from the municipality of Mascali in the Sicilian province of Catania. Synonyms are Mascalese Nera, Mascalisi, Negrello, Nerello Calabrese, Nerello Carbunaru, Nerello di Mascali, Nerello Nostrale, Nerello Paesano, Nerona di Viggiano, Niureddu and Niureddu Mascalese.
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it is a presumably natural cross between Sangiovese x Mantonico Bianco. It should not be confused with the Frappato, Magliocco Canino, Magliocco Dolce, Nerello Cappuccio or Perricone varieties due to some of the same synonyms or morphological similarities.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien