Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
La Vigna di Don Peppino is a 0.8-hectare parcel in contrada Calderara, in the municipality of Randazzo. It forms part of a roughly four-hectare vineyard near the cellar and comprises ungrafted vines that survived phylloxera. Since the pest reached Etna in 1881, the vines are more than 140 years old. They stand at 620 metres above sea level on Etna’s northern slope and are trained as alberello and modified alberello.
The shallow volcanic ground is rich in rock and carries traces of ash. The broader vineyard description identifies pumice mixed with basalt.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
Harvest takes place during the first ten days of October. Alcoholic fermentation proceeds under temperature control at 28–30°C, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine ages for 14 months in French-oak barriques and tonneaux, then rests for one month in steel before bottling.
Technical data
Alcohol is 14.5%. Yield is 4–4.5 tonnes per hectare, while annual production amounts to approximately 4,000 bottles of 750 ml.
Tasting profile
The colour is a delicate ruby with mahogany nuances. Wildflowers, red fruit and refined spices shape a complex bouquet. The palate combines concentration with balance and elegance, leading to a long finish. Its personality is reserved and patient, marked by measured elegance, gentle authority and finesse.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20°C. Decanting is recommended, an exception among the estate’s wines, and the wine should be given time to unfold throughout dinner. Pair it with red meat, game, aged cheese or a sequence of savoury dishes served in moderate portions.
Label / history
The parcel was first vinified separately in 2006 after its exceptional character was recognized. The inaugural vintage revealed an especially fine and distinctive expression of Calderara.
