The red grape variety comes from Italy. Province of Catania. The epithet derives from the municipality of Mascali in the Sicilian province of Catania. Synonyms include Mascalese Nera, Mascalisi, Negrello, Nerello Calabrese, Nerello Carbunaru, Nerello di Mascali, Nerello Nostrale, Nerello Paesano, Nerona di Viggiano, Niureddu and Niureddu Mascalese. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological or name similarities, it should not be confused with the Frappato, Magliocco Canino, Magliocco Dolce, Nerello Cappuccio or Perricone varieties. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is probably a natural cross between Sangiovese x Mantonico Bianco. The late-ripening vine is susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. It yields bright red wines with moderate alcohol and acidity, soft tannins with red fruit aromas, and also aging potential.
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