#WOTW: a bright, crunchy organic red from Sicily
If you don’t yet know Nerello Mascalese then you should make its acquaintance. It’s a Sicilian red grape most often found around Mount Etna and it makes beautiful wines, with a seductive, nervy, slightly sulphurous note that suggests a lava flow might be heading your way.
Cortese Nostru Nerello Mascalese (priced around £12 *see a list of stockists below) is made by the accomplished organic winemaker, Stefano Girelli (I met him last year and you can find out more here) on an estate in the south of Sicily.
With a bit more oomph than some Nerello Mascalese, this offers a feast of bright, crunchy red cherry and subtle spice, with smooth tannins. It’s perfect paired with pasta and yummy on its own.
*stockists: £11.50 at the 9 London branches of Jeroboams; £12 at Queen Park Wines; £12 online at Slurp or at its branches in Banbury and Leamington Spa; £13.95 at branches of South Downs Cellars, or £15 online at Abel and Co.