Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Santo Spirito lies in Castiglione di Sicilia, beside Guardiola and lower on the descending hillside toward the Alcantara. Its broad terraces and deep, fertile volcanic soils contrast with Guardiola’s steep, lean terrain. The 5.5 ha vineyard sits at 800–850 m on Etna’s northern slope. Its soft, dark soil is rich in volcanic ash, and the bush-trained and modified bush-trained vines average 80–100 years old. Yield is 6 tonnes per hectare.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
Harvest takes place during the second ten days of October. Alcoholic fermentation proceeds at a controlled 28–30°C, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine ages for 14 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux and then for 1 month in stainless steel before bottling.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5%. Annual production: 8,000 bottles of 0.75 L.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby in colour. The bouquet is intense, complex and richly floral, with an especially graceful character. Broad and velvety on the palate, it has creamy persistence. The style is sensual and succulent, with a fleshy aromatic impression and a rich, enveloping palate, while retaining purity, balance and delicacy.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20°C. Pair with meat and mature cheeses; more specific suggestions include noble poultry, pork loin and escalopes with Marsala.
