The Nerello Cappuccio
Grape
A red grape variety native to Sicily, often blended with Nerello Mascalese to produce the wines of Mount Etna. It contributes color, fruitiness, and aromatic complexity, with flavors of cherries and herbs, complementing the structure and elegance provided by Nerello Mascalese.
Nerello Cappuccio
Grape History
Nerello Cappuccio is a lesser-known wine grape variety that has a fascinating history and promising future in the world of winemaking. This red grape variety is primarily found in the region of Sicily, Italy, specifically on the slopes of Mount Etna. It is often overshadowed by its sibling grape, Nerello Mascalese, which is more widely recognized and planted in the region.
Nerello Cappuccio has a long history in Sicily, dating back to ancient times when it was likely brought to the region by the Greeks. The grape is known for its deep red color and high acidity, making it an ideal grape for producing complex and age-worthy wines. Despite its long history, Nerello Cappuccio has only recently gained recognition for its potential in producing quality wines.
One of the key characteristics of Nerello Cappuccio is its ability to thrive in the unique volcanic soils of Mount Etna. The mineral-rich soils, combined with the high altitudes and cool climate of the region, provide an ideal terroir for growing this grape variety. As a result, Nerello Cappuccio is often used in the production of Etna Rosso wines, which have gained popularity in recent years for their distinctive flavors and high quality.
In terms of winemaking, Nerello Cappuccio is often used in blends with Nerello Mascalese and other indigenous grape varieties to create well-balanced and complex wines. These wines are characterized by their elegant aromas of red fruits, floral notes, and earthy undertones. They are typically aged in oak barrels to enhance their structure and complexity.
Looking towards the future, Nerello Cappuccio shows great potential for continued success in the world of wine. As consumers become more interested in indigenous grape varieties and unique terroirs, there is increasing demand for wines made from lesser-known grape varieties like Nerello Cappuccio. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and organic farming practices in winemaking bodes well for the future of this grape variety, as it thrives in the natural and untouched environment of Mount Etna.
Overall, Nerello Cappuccio is a hidden gem in the world of wine, with a rich history, unique characteristics, and promising future ahead. Wine enthusiasts looking to explore new and exciting wines should keep an eye out for bottles made from this intriguing grape variety.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel