Duca Nero

Vineyard and terroir

Pinot Nero grows at Tenuta Vajasindi on the slopes of Mount Etna. The estate’s volcanic soil gives the sparkling wine a pronounced mineral character.

Grapes

Pinot Nero.

Vinification

Duca Nero is a sparkling wine made by the Charmat method. The page’s detailed vinification section separately describes a red-wine process: destemming, approximately two weeks of alcoholic fermentation in vat, mixing of the skins to extract polyphenols and anthocyanins, at least five further days of skin contact, and natural malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks.

Ageing

The detailed production section gives at least one year of ageing, divided between concrete tanks and new and second-use oak barriques.

Technical data

The 2022 wine has 12.5% alcohol and total acidity of 6 g/L. The available format is 75 cl.

Tasting profile

Very pale straw yellow with distinct green highlights. The aroma is floral, balsamic and mineral, with a light note of bread crust. The palate is rich, fragrant and notably fresh. Fine, persistent bubbles and lively acidity refresh the finish.

Serving and pairing

Suitable as an aperitif and with succulent dishes.

Vintage notes

The 2022 season followed a rainy winter with a dry spring. Vine development was slightly ahead of the recent average. A hot start to summer gave way to more moderate conditions, allowing the grapes to retain the acidity and freshness sought for Duca Nero. Fruit was picked by hand at the end of August, while still at an early stage of ripeness, and placed in small 3 kg crates.