Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Moganazzi lies in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia on Mount Etna’s northern slope, at 700–750 m. The 2 ha vineyard occupies steep terraces and is planted to bush-trained and modified bush-trained vines averaging 70–80 years old. Its deep, soft, dark volcanic soil contains black pumice and abundant volcanic ash. Yield is 5 tonnes per hectare.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested during the second ten days of October. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled 28–30°C, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine matures for 14 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, then spends 1 month in stainless steel before bottling.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5%. Annual production: 4,000 bottles of 0.75 L.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby in colour. The full-bodied, complex bouquet combines black fruit with abundant floral notes. The palate is broad and velvety, with creamy persistence and a spicy dimension. Its dense texture and luminous character lead from an engaging opening toward a softer yet taut and intimate expression as it develops.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20°C with meat or mature cheeses.
Label / history
Moganazzi and Guardiola, followed closely by Santo Spirito, have traditionally been regarded among Castiglione di Sicilia’s leading terroirs. A very small Moganazzi parcel was acquired in 2007, initially yielding only three barriques. Its wine was dedicated to a charity project associated with Florence’s Meyer paediatric hospital, with labels designed by Marco de Grazia’s daughter from her earliest childhood. The subsequent acquisition and rental of adjoining land made a commercial cru bottling possible from the 2017 harvest.
