About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the Feudo di Mezzo vineyard at Castiglione di Sicilia (CT), in the heart of Etna’s wine-growing area. The site lies at 610 metres above sea level. Its well-positioned soils are black with lava sand, exceptionally rich in minerals and marked by abundant, large-format material. Woodland and more recent lava flows surround the vineyard.
The vines are planted at 5,050 plants per hectare and trained on espalier with spurred-cordon pruning. Yield is 70 quintals per hectare, equivalent to 7,000 kg/ha. Cultivation follows organic-agriculture criteria and SOStain® protocols. Wild ground cover increases organic matter and supports the soil’s microfauna. Small quantities of sulphur and copper protect plant health, while beneficial insects, mating disruption and natural treatments—including zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts—are used against pests. The 2024 wine carries SOStain® and 10.1 B certification.
Grapes
Latest published vintage (2024): 88% Nerello Mascalese and 12% Nerello Cappuccio.
Nerello Cappuccio was harvested on 19–20 September 2024, followed by Nerello Mascalese from 3–8 October. The grapes were collected in 15–17 kg crates, refrigerated to approximately 10°C and selected by hand.
Vinification
After destemming, the varieties fermented in wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks at temperatures up to 24°C. Nerello Mascalese remained on its skins for 16–18 days, while Nerello Cappuccio macerated for approximately 20 days. Two manual punch-downs were performed each day. The wine was then drawn off with the aid of a vertical press.
Ageing
Maturation lasted 6–8 months in wooden and stainless-steel tanks. The first bottling of the 2024 vintage took place in July 2025.
Technical data
The 2024 vintage has 13.5% alcohol, total acidity of 5.8 g/L and a pH of 3.43. It is bottled in a 0.75 L, 400 g bottle and may use a single-piece natural cork, DIAM® or Nomacorc® closure. It can be enjoyed immediately or aged for 6–7 years.
Tasting profile
The 2024 vintage opens with lively, fresh, almost primary fruit that takes precedence over Etna’s more mature autumnal nuances. Pigmented citrus and ripe Ferrovia cherry meet an unusual rice-like scent, wild roses and a restrained spicy accent contributed by Nerello Cappuccio. The palate is full, complete and fresh, with a persistent finish.
The broader profile also encompasses vanilla, sour cherry, wild strawberry and a clean floral note. The mouthfeel is fleshy and smooth, while expressive fruit develops more complex suggestions of undergrowth, myrtle and oriental spices. Savoury impressions are accompanied by emerging notes of iron, rhubarb and black pepper.
Serving and pairing
Pair with Italian pasta dishes—particularly Sicilian and Roman preparations—along with meats, roasts, cheeses and cold cuts.
Vintage notes
Etna’s 2024 winter and spring were mild. Light, evenly distributed rainfall sustained the vines through to harvest. Production was 15% above the average, while the growing season culminated in what was considered an especially successful harvest.
Label / history
First produced in 2012, the wine originates at the Feudo di Mezzo winery and vineyard and is intended as a contemporary expression of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grown in Etna’s volcanic terroir.