Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Eruzione 1614 Riesling comes from the Sciaranuova vineyard at Castiglione di Sicilia, where 4,500 Rhine Riesling vines were planted during the estate’s first years on Etna. The vineyard lies at 815 metres above sea level on terraces beside the lava field created by the eruption of 1614, which continued for ten years.
The well-exposed site has black volcanic soil formed from lava sand, with a mineral-rich structure containing abundant large elements. Woodland and more recent lava flows surround the vineyard. The vines are trained on an espalier with Guyot pruning at a density of 5,050 plants per hectare. Yield is 65 q/ha, equivalent to 6.5 tonnes per hectare.
Cultivation follows organic-agriculture criteria and SOStain® protocols. Wild ground cover builds organic matter and supports soil microfauna. Vine health is managed with small quantities of sulphur and copper, while useful insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used for pest control. The wine is certified organic and SOStain®.
Grapes
100% Riesling Renano. The first vintage was 2014.
Vinification
For the 2023 vintage, harvesting took place on 20 September. The grapes were collected in 13–15 kg crates, immediately chilled to 8 °C and sorted by hand. They were destemmed and remained in contact with their skins for approximately six hours before gentle pressing. After settling, the must was racked and fermented in stainless steel at approximately 15–17 °C.
Ageing
The wine matured in stainless-steel vats and remained on its fine lees for 10 months. Bâtonnage was performed every two weeks during the first six months. The 2023 vintage was bottled in September 2024 under a STELVIN® Deluxe closure.
Technical data
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
- Alcohol: 12.5% vol.
- Total acidity: 6.25 g/L
- pH: 3.17
- Residual sugar: 2.25 g/L
- Bottle size: 750 ml
- Bottle weight: 460 g
- Ageing potential: 7–10 years
Tasting profile
Pale in colour with green reflections. The youthful aroma combines white apple, plum, lemon and yellow flowers. The palate is completely dry, with measured rather than excessive acidity and a pronounced mineral character.
Serving and pairing
Its vivid fruit-driven acidity suits clean, clearly defined flavours. Pair with baked mackerel, steamed sea bream, rice and green-vegetable dishes, raw vegetables, sashimi or quesadilla.
Vintage notes
The 2023 Etna harvest produced considerably less fruit than average. Bunch numbers were already low after flowering, possibly because rain during May and June affected flowering and fruit set in these high-altitude vineyards. The remaining bunches were very healthy. July heat did not disrupt ripening, which proceeded evenly, while a long summer and dry autumn produced concentrated, thick-skinned grapes.
Label / history
The wine takes its name from the eruption that began in 1614. Lasting ten years, it was the longest eruption in Etna’s recorded history. The Riesling terraces stand at the edge of the resulting lava field.
