About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

Contrada Scimonetta is a north-facing site at 740 m above sea level in the comune of Randazzo, within Etna’s northern valley. Its geology dates to a pyroclastic period and is associated with complex wines. The approximately 2.5-hectare property formerly belonged to the La Piana family and formed a clos enclosed by stone walls.

A small portion of the old vines is being retained while the replanted sections mature and begin to produce fruit of the required character. Until then, fruit not selected for the contrada bottling is directed to the estate’s base red or rosato. The old vines average more than 40 years of age; newer sections were planted in 2002 and 2003.

Grapes

100% Nerello Mascalese.

Vinification

The grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation begins with a pied-de-cuve, uses indigenous yeasts and includes approximately 60 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 600 bottles. It is bottled in dark Burgundy bottles in 750 mL, 1.5 L and 3 L formats. Zalto Burgundy stemware is recommended.