About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Rosso di Sandro comes from contrada Muganazze in the frazione of Solicchiata, comune of Castiglione di Sicilia, within Etna’s northern valley. The vineyard lies at 610 m a.s.l., faces north and has vines averaging more than 50 years of age.
Grapes
80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% mixed ancient varieties, with white grapes forming the principal part of that field blend.
Vinification
The grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation starts with a pied-de-cuve, relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts and includes approximately 20 days of skin contact. The wine is not fined and is filtered before bottling through 5-micron polypropylene cartridges. Sulphur may or may not be added depending on grape quality and wine stability; values range from 15 to 50 mg/L.
Ageing
Maturation lasts six months in a 400 L epoxy-coated amphora.
Technical data
Annual production is approximately 500 bottles. The wine is classified as Vino Rosso and filled into transparent Burgundy bottles in a single 750 mL format.
Serving and pairing
Zalto Universal stemware is recommended. The bottles are available exclusively at Osteria CAVE OX in Solicchiata.
Label / history
First produced in 2010, Rosso di Sandro grew from the friendship between Frank Cornelissen and Sandro Dibella, their shared engagement with Etna’s history and traditions, and years of discussion and tasting. Its harvest preserves a local custom: family and friends gather when they are available rather than necessarily waiting for a point of absolute grape perfection. The event is conceived as a convivial pause during the pressures of the wider harvest, centred on wine, food and friendship.
