In the glass
Aroma: red cherry, raspberry, volcanic mineral, brioche
Palate: tart cherry, citrus zest, yeasty notes, saline mineral
Sicily's most celebrated traditional-method sparkling wine: pure Nerello Mascalese fermented in bottle and aged 36-plus months on lees, producing fine bubbles, red-berry freshness and volcanic mineral character.
What it pairs with
-
Oysters with Sicilian mignonette
The wine's briny mineral salinity and fine bubbles are a classic match with oysters. -
Prosciutto crudo di Parma
Fine bubbles cleanse the fat; cherry fruit complements the sweet ham. -
Fresh mozzarella di bufala
Lively acidity and fine bubbles balance the milky richness of buffalo mozzarella.
How to serve Murgo Brut Metodo Classico
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 6-8°C. Cellar temperature (6-8°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a tulip flute: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Oysters with Sicilian mignonette, Prosciutto crudo di Parma, Fresh mozzarella di bufala. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Scammacca del Murgo family pioneered traditional-method sparkling wine from Nerello Mascalese in 1990, inspired by Champagne's Pinot Noir and the grape's natural acidity and delicate colour. The Murgo Brut remains Sicily's most acclaimed traditional-method sparkling wine and a landmark demonstration of the island's potential beyond still wines.
- 1990 — First Murgo Brut Metodo Classico vintage; an early Sicilian traditional-method sparkling wine release
- 2005 — Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri awarded, confirming it as Sicily's benchmark sparkling wine
Facts
- Producer
- Murgo
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese
- Classification
- Etna Spumante Brut Metodo Classico
- Oak
- No oak; minimum 36 months on lees
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- €22-38 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-8 from disgorgement
- First vintage
- 1990
Frequently asked about Murgo Brut Metodo Classico
What does Murgo Brut Metodo Classico taste like?
On the nose, red cherry, raspberry, volcanic mineral, brioche. On the palate, tart cherry, citrus zest, yeasty notes, saline mineral. Structurally light-bodied, low tannins, racy acidity with a clean, persistent bubbles, mineral finish. Sicily's most celebrated traditional-method sparkling wine: pure Nerello Mascalese fermented in bottle and aged 36-plus months on lees, producing fine bubbles, red-berry freshness and volcanic mineral character.
When should I drink Murgo Brut Metodo Classico?
Drink 2-8 from disgorgement. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Murgo Brut Metodo Classico?
Oysters with Sicilian mignonette is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Prosciutto crudo di Parma and Fresh mozzarella di bufala. The wine's briny mineral salinity and fine bubbles are a classic match with oysters.
What grapes are in Murgo Brut Metodo Classico?
The blend is Nerello Mascalese. The wine is classified as Etna Spumante Brut Metodo Classico.