Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Etna D.O.C. from the Feudo di Mezzo vineyard at Castiglione di Sicilia, in the heart of Etna’s winegrowing area. The vineyard lies at 610 metres above sea level. Its black volcanic ground is formed from lava sands, is particularly rich in minerals and contains abundant coarse material; woodland and more recent lava flows surround the site.
The vines are planted at 5,050 plants per hectare and trained on an espalier with spurred-cordon pruning. Yield is 70 quintals per hectare. Farming follows organic-agriculture criteria and SOStain® protocols. Spontaneous ground cover is maintained 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. The wine carries SOStain® and 10.1 B certification.
Grapes
Latest published vintage (2024): 88% Nerello Mascalese and 12% Nerello Cappuccio.
Vinification
For the 2024 vintage, Nerello Cappuccio was harvested on 19–20 September and Nerello Mascalese on 3–8 October. The grapes were gathered in 15–17 kg crates, chilled to approximately 10°C and selected by hand. After destemming, fermentation proceeded at up to 24°C in wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks.
Nerello Mascalese remained on its skins for 16–18 days, while Nerello Cappuccio macerated for 20 days. The cap received two manual punch-downs or a pump-over each day. The wine was subsequently drawn off with the assistance of a vertical press.
Ageing
Maturation lasted 6–8 months in wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks. The first bottling of the 2024 vintage took place in July 2025. Closures include single-piece natural cork, DIAM® and Nomacorc®.
Technical data
- Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
- Total acidity: 5.8 g/L
- pH: 3.43
- Bottle format: 750 ml
- Bottle weight: 400 g
- Ageing capacity: drink immediately or cellar for 6–7 years
Tasting profile
The general profile combines vanilla, sour cherry and wild strawberry with a precise floral note. The palate is fleshy yet fluid, with expressive fruit developing into undergrowth, myrtle and oriental spices. Marked savouriness accompanies suggestions of iron, rhubarb and black pepper.
The 2024 vintage presents lively, fresh and nearly primary fruit ahead of the more mature, autumnal nuances associated with the Etna terroir. Pigmented citrus and ripe Ferrovia cherry are joined by an unusual rice-like scent, wild rose and a light spicy accent from Nerello Cappuccio. The palate is full, fresh, complete and persistent.
Serving and pairing
Pair with Italian pasta dishes, including Sicilian and Roman preparations, as well as meats, roasts, cheeses and cured meats.
Vintage notes
Etna’s 2024 winter and spring were mild. Light, evenly distributed rainfall sustained the vines through harvest, while production finished 15% above the average. The vintage is presented as especially successful for Feudo di Mezzo.
Label / history
The first vintage was 2012.
