Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The wine comes from Contrada Calderara in the township of Randazzo, on Mount Etna’s northern slope at 600–650 metres. Black pumice and solid volcanic rock define what is described as the stoniest contrada on the northern side of the Etna appellation. The technical sheet covers 14.5 hectares and gives a vine age of 50–100 years; vines are trained as alberello and modified alberello and yield approximately 6 tonnes per hectare.
The estate presents Calderara Sottana as its flagship contrada and also describes the source as a tiny parcel of only a few thousand square metres, planted with vines more than a century old and yielding a single barrel of wine.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
Harvest occurs in the first or second ten-day period of October. Alcoholic fermentation is temperature controlled at 28–30 °C, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine matures for 14 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, followed by one month in steel before bottling.
Technical data
Etna Rosso D.O.C. Alcohol is 14.5%. Annual production is approximately 400 bottles in 750 ml format. The first vintage was released in 2003.
Tasting profile
Pale ruby with mahogany nuances. The penetrating bouquet offers ripe fruit and spice. Structured, full and complex on the palate, with a substantial tannic presence.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20 °C with meat or aged cheeses.
Label / history
Le Vigne di Eli is dedicated to Marco de Grazia’s daughter Elena, who designs its labels. Part of the proceeds supports the Meyer Pediatric Foundation Hospital in Florence.
