The production of Murgo Brut 2018 was inspired by the Pinot Noir grape used in Champagne production. While it’s made from Nerello Mascalese, a native Sicilian grape, it’s similar to Pinot Noir in many ways. It’s a fruity and acidic red grape with a tightly packed bunch typically made into red wine.
Murgo estate was the first to experiment with the Nerello Mascalese for sparkling wine and produce this type of wine in the Mt Etna area.
Murgo Story
For over a century, the Scammacca del Murgo family has grown vines and olives at the foothills of Mount Etna in Sicilia. More than once, the fiery eruptions of this very active volcano destroyed vineyards and covered the estate with ash. Still, for the Scammacca del Murgo clan, it’s the price they are willing to pay for the privilege of growing vines in one of the most dynamic and breathtaking wine regions on Earth.
Until the 1970s, Baron Emanuele and his family primarily produced bulk wine and wine for friends and locals in Santa Venerina.
In 1981, Emanuele focused on Etna’s exceptional volcanic terroir and its native grape, Nerello Mascaleseto, and moved away from bulk production. The family produced its first Etna Rosso in 1982 and eight years later bottled their first estate Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine from Nerello Mascalese.
Winemaking was always a family affair for Scammacca del Murgo. Today, baron’s eight sons continue his work in various roles, either in the vineyards or winery.
Murgo Brut 2018
In the Bottle
2018 Murgo is Metodo Classico Brut (Méthode Champenoise) made with 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the volcanic soils in the foothills of Etna.
After the hand harvest and primary fermentation, wine was aged in stainless steel tanks between seven to eight months. As with Champagne, the second fermentation happened in the bottle, and ready Murgo Brut was aged on lees for 36 months.
So how did this unique sparkling wine taste?
In the Glass
We were surprised by the character of the Murgo Brut 2018 that was reminiscent of a classic Champagne.
The aromas and flavors of yellow apple and brioche were something we would expect from Champagne, and it surprised us to find it in wine made from Nerello Mascalese, a completely different grape.
Apples and brioche were complemented by the grape seed aroma (yes, we smell those) and a rather intense peach and buttered toast flavors.
It was a well-structured, full-bodied sparkling wine with medium acidity and a long fruity finish.
Aftertaste
We like Etna Rosso wines made with Nerello Mascalese ever since we tasted them for the first time right at the foothills of Etna on Sicily. We were excited to taste such a unique sparkling wine made it.
Murgo Brut 2018 exceeded our expectations. We loved how intertwined are the hallmark Champagne notes with the character that reflects Murgo’s Sicilian roots.
It was one of the favorites at our 2021 Champagne Tasting and Sabrage Wine Swinging club party. Some even enjoyed it more than 2008 Pommery.
While we can hardly equate these two wines with a price under $30, it’s easily made our great value wine list.
What are your thoughts on Sicilian sparkling wines if you ever tasted them?