About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes are selected from vineyards on Mount Etna’s south-eastern slope, at elevations between 500 and 700 metres. The sandy volcanic soils are rich in minerals and have a sub-acid reaction. The mountain and high-hill climate is humid and rainy during the cooler season, with strong ventilation, abundant light and pronounced temperature variation.
The vines are trellised and spur-pruned to a double cordon. Planting density ranges from 6,000 to 7,000 vines per hectare. The wine page describes vines of variable ages and yields of 7,000–8,000 kilograms per hectare; the technical profile specifies 25-year-old vines and a yield of 6,000 kilograms per hectare.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand during the first ten days of October and destemmed. The wine page describes a 12-hour pre-fermentation cold maceration followed by gentle pressing, yielding 65% free-run must. Fermentation then proceeds without skins for approximately 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with selected indigenous yeasts.
The technical profile gives a different protocol: the grapes are destemmed, crushed and gently pressed, then a small quantity of free-run juice from macerated grapes is added. Skin-free fermentation lasts approximately 15 days at 18–20°C in stainless steel with selected indigenous yeasts.
Ageing
The wine matures in stainless steel on its fine lees until bottling. Bottle ageing is given as two to three months on the wine page and approximately two months in the technical profile.
Technical data
Alcohol: 12.5–13% vol.
Tasting profile
Pink to antique rose in colour, with light ruby highlights. The bouquet is intense and delicate, combining broom flowers with blackberry and cherry. Dry, fresh, saline and mineral on the palate, with light tannins, balanced acidity and persistent red-fruit flavours.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 10–12°C. Pair with delicate cold cuts and cured meats, fresh cheeses, vegetables, white meats, fish, seafood and shellfish. It is also suited to by-the-glass service.
