Giodo Alberelli Nerello Mascalese 2020

Giodo Alberelli Nerello Mascalese 2020 is a refined expression of Sicily’s great native red grape, crafted by acclaimed winemaker Carlo Ferrini. Delicate in appearance yet complex in character, it captures the tension between Etna’s volcanic energy and Nerello Mascalese’s naturally elegant style. This vintage offers a particularly pure and classic snapshot of Sicily’s volcanic hillsides, where old alberello (bush-trained) vines have long shaped some of Italy’s most distinctive reds.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this wine shows a luminous, transparent ruby red with a lightly garnet edge, hinting at finesse rather than sheer power. The nose is lifted and precise, with tart red cherries, blackcurrant, wild strawberries, and blue flowers layered over notes of iron filings, crushed stone, blood orange peel, and a subtle smoky-mineral edge that speaks clearly of volcanic origin. On the palate, the 2020 Alberelli is taut, vertical, and finely etched. Bright acidity carries vibrant red fruit and citrus-inflected nuances, while the tannins are ultra-fine, slowly melting across the tongue and leaving a long, savory, mineral-laced finish. There’s both delicacy and depth here: the wine feels light on its feet yet offers persistent flavor and structure. Enjoyable now for its aromatic clarity and precision, it also has the balance and tannic backbone to develop additional complexity over the next 8–10 years, gaining more savory, earthy and tertiary notes with time in bottle.

Production
The Nerello Mascalese for Giodo Alberelli is sourced from high-altitude, alberello-trained vines rooted in the mineral-rich, decomposed lava and ash of Sicily’s volcanic terroir, most likely on the slopes of Mount Etna. These well-drained, rocky soils, combined with significant day–night temperature swings, yield grapes with concentrated aromas, fresh acidity, and refined tannins. Harvest is typically carried out by hand in small crates, allowing strict selection of perfectly ripe, healthy bunches. In the cellar, Carlo Ferrini favors a gentle, minimalist approach: careful destemming, a controlled fermentation to preserve aromatic purity, and measured extraction to highlight elegance over power. Aging in neutral or lightly used oak and/or large casks helps to refine the tannins and integrate the wine’s volcanic minerality without masking its distinctive Nerello Mascalese character.

Food & Serving
This Nerello Mascalese is wonderfully versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with dishes that echo its finesse and savory minerality. Think grilled or roasted lamb, herb-crusted pork, game birds, caponata, tomato-based pasta with Mediterranean herbs, mushroom risotto, or simply grilled tuna or swordfish. It also shines alongside aged pecorino, semi-hard cheeses, and charcuterie. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic lift and freshness. A short decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended in its youth to help the wine open and reveal its floral and mineral layers; older bottles can be gently poured and enjoyed without extended aeration.

Producer
Giodo is the personal project of renowned Italian oenologist Carlo Ferrini, long considered one of Italy’s leading consulting winemakers. Best known for his work in Tuscany—especially in Brunello di Montalcino—Ferrini created Giodo to craft wines that reflect his own vision of elegance, balance, and terroir transparency. After establishing a strong reputation with Sangiovese in Montalcino, he turned his attention to Sicily’s Nerello Mascalese, drawn by the unique volcanic landscapes and old-vine heritage. Today, Giodo is recognized as a rising star in the region, helping to elevate Nerello Mascalese to the same conversation as Italy’s great, ageworthy reds, and earning critical acclaim for wines that marry precision, charm, and a strong sense of place.