About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The wine comes from ungrafted vines in Chiusa Spagnolo, a specific cru within contrada Zottorinoto near frazione Solicchiata in the comune of Castiglione di Sicilia. Situated toward the valley floor at 620 m above sea level, the north-facing vineyard occupies a sheltered, amphitheatre-like setting surrounded by lava. Planted around 1925, its vines average more than 80 years of age.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese from ungrafted vines.
Vinification
The grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation begins with a pied-de-cuve, uses indigenous yeasts and includes approximately 50 days of skin contact. The wine is not fined. Before bottling, it is filtered through 5-micron polypropylene cartridges. Sulphur may or may not be added according to grape quality and wine stability; total values vary from 15 to 50 mg/L.
Ageing
The wine matures for 18 months in neutral epoxy tanks of 1,500–2,500 L, followed by another 18 months in bottle.
Technical data
Etna Rosso DOP or IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese. Annual production is approximately 3,000 bottles. It is bottled in dark Burgundy bottles in 750 mL, 1.5 L and 3 L formats. Zalto Burgundy stemware is recommended.
Tasting profile
A profound, tannic and relatively reserved expression of Nerello Mascalese, with a character likened to Nebbiolo when compared with the estate’s other contrada wines.
Label / history
The first vintage was 2012.
