Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese comes from the Sciaranuova vineyard in Castiglione di Sicilia, on the historic lava flow formed by the eruption that began in 1614. The eruption continued for ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of Etna and giving the wine its name.
The vineyard lies at approximately 840–865 m above sea level. Its well-exposed ground consists of black lava sands, exceptionally rich in minerals and structured by abundant large fragments. Woodland and more recent lava flows surround the site. Planting density is 5,050 vines per hectare and the 2022 yield was 68 q/ha, equivalent to 6.8 t/ha.
The vines are trained on espalier systems, using both spurred-cordon and double-spurred-cordon pruning. Cultivation follows organic-agriculture criteria and SOStain protocols. Wildflower ground cover supports soil organic matter and microfauna. Plant health is managed with small quantities of sulphur and copper, beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts. The wine is certified organic and SOStain 10.1 B.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
For the 2022 vintage, harvesting took place from 17 to 19 October. The grapes arrived in crates holding approximately 16–17 kg, were immediately chilled to 10 °C and then sorted by hand. They were destemmed without crushing and fermented at 25–26 °C in concrete and stainless-steel tanks, with manual punch-downs.
At the end of alcoholic fermentation, the concrete vessels were filled immediately and maintained under a submerged cap for up to 40 days to obtain a finer extraction. The wine was then racked using a vertical press and completed malolactic fermentation in stainless steel.
Ageing
Maturation lasted 13 months in oak casks of 25 and 36 hL. The 2022 vintage was bottled in July 2024.
Technical data
The 2022 wine has 14% alcohol by volume, total acidity of 5.5 g/L and a pH of 3.48. Its stated ageing capacity is seven to ten years. Available formats are 0.75 L and 1.5 L. The 0.75 L bottle weighs 460 g and uses a single-piece natural cork.
Tasting profile
The wine has the pale yet compelling red colour associated with Etna varieties. Its aromatic profile combines incense, black pepper, medicinal herbs and hibiscus with red and autumnal fruit, including cherry and chestnut, before closing on a note reminiscent of French honeysuckle honey.
The palate is luminous and expressive, combining the sweetness and generosity of wild berries and currants with incense and beeswax. Its tannins are compact yet elegantly defined, while a subtle saline character sustains the finish and encourages another sip.
Serving and pairing
Its pronounced character permits equally bold pairings: game, truffle-based dishes, rockfish served with complex sauces, cheeses and cold cuts.
Vintage notes
Etna’s 2022 season began with above-average heat in June and July. August was cooler than average and brought 105 mm of rain, substantially more than the historical norm. September and October were dry, and the usual rainfall around harvest did not occur. The resulting wines were ripe and full, with supporting acidity; Nerello Mascalese developed particularly intense colour. In volume, the harvest was surpassed only by 2018.
Label / history
First produced in 2010, the wine commemorates Etna’s 1614 eruption and the ten-year lava flow on which the Sciaranuova vines now grow.
