Pinot Noir vs Nerello Mascalese
Pinot Noir
A pale, high-acid red grape of red cherry and fine tannin, and the grape behind red Burgundy.
- Red cherry
- Pale color
- Fine tannin
Recognize it
Pale color with high acidity and fine tannin. Red cherry and raspberry are common fruit markers. Earthy and mushroom notes can develop with bottle age.
Nerello Mascalese
A pale, high-acid Sicilian red grape with red cherry, floral notes and fine but noticeable tannin, best known from Etna.
- Red cherry
- High acidity
- Fine tannin
Recognize it
Pale color with high acidity and fine, noticeable tannin. Red cherry and floral notes lead. Earthy or smoky notes can appear, but they are not reliable grape markers.
How they compare
- SimilarPale color and high acidity.
- DifferenceNerello Mascalese usually has more tannin and a firmer, more savory palate.