Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Eruzione 1614 Pinot Nero comes from the smallest parcel among the terraces of Sciaranuova at Castiglione di Sicilia, beside the lava flow created by the historic eruption that began in 1614 and continued for ten years. The parcel contains 3,000 Pinot Nero vines. The variety has been cultivated in the area for centuries, although neither widely nor continuously.
The black soils are formed from lava sands, are particularly rich in minerals and contain abundant large structural elements. Woodland and younger lava flows surround the site. The general wine description gives an altitude of 820 m, while the 2023 specifications place the vineyard between 825 and 835 m. Planting density is 5,050 vines per hectare, with espalier training and Guyot pruning. The 2023 yield was 42 quintals per hectare, equivalent to 4.2 tonnes per hectare.
Cultivation follows organic-agriculture criteria and SOStain® protocols. Wild ground cover is retained to increase organic matter and support soil microfauna. Vine health is managed with small quantities of sulphur and copper, while beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used against pests. Certifications are Vino Biologico, SOStain® and 10.1 B.
Grapes
100% Pinot Nero.
Vinification
The 2023 grapes were harvested on 16 September into crates holding approximately 14 kg and chilled to 10 °C. After hand selection, they were destemmed without crushing and transferred to concrete tanks. Fermentation temperature was gradually raised to 26 °C, with gentle manual punch-downs. The wine remained on the skins for 13 days before basket pressing.
Ageing
Maturation took place in stainless steel and Clayver, with the latter accounting for 25%. Bottling occurred in May 2025.
Technical data
2023: 13% alcohol by volume, total acidity of 5 g/L and pH 3.54. The available format is 0.75 L in a 460 g bottle closed with a single-piece DIAM® natural cork. Ageing potential is 5–10 years.
Tasting profile
Flint and ink lead the aromatic profile, followed by wild plum and cherry. The palate is lively yet graceful and elegant, with tannins that are simultaneously velvety and responsive. The overall impression is captured by the phrase “Good vibrations.”
Serving and pairing
Pair with quail, woodcock and other refined game dishes. It also suits fresh caciocavallo or a cauliflower sformato.
Vintage notes
The 2023 Etna harvest produced decidedly less fruit than average. May and June rains during flowering and fruit set contributed to the small number of bunches, although the grapes remained very healthy. July heat did not disturb the sensitive ripening phases, allowing even maturation. A long summer and dry autumn yielded grapes of notable intensity and concentration.
Label / history
The name recalls the historic eruption of 1614, which lasted ten years and stopped at the edge of Sciaranuova. Pinot Nero occupies the vineyard's smallest parcel. The first vintage was 2012.
