About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

The Nerello Mascalese comes from Contrada Dafara Galluzzo at Rovitello, in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia on Etna. The vineyard lies at 700 m above sea level and is trained as alberello.

Grapes

100% Nerello Mascalese.

Vinification

The grapes are picked by hand during the first days of September. In the cellar, the bunches are partially destemmed directly in the press. The resulting must is transferred to vats and maintained at approximately 7–8 °C for static clarification on fine lees, with the lees recirculated through stabulazione.

After 48 hours, selected yeasts are inoculated. Alcoholic fermentation proceeds for two weeks at approximately 12 °C. The wine rests briefly on the coarse fermentation lees before being racked. During its initial maturation, the temperature is kept strictly below 10 °C to prevent malolactic fermentation. It then remains in contact with fine lees for several months and is filtered and bottled toward the end of May. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle according to the traditional method.

Ageing

Following prise de mousse, the wine matures in bottle for 44 months on the lees. Slow maturation, yeast autolysis and controlled micro-oxygenation build structure and encourage the development of tertiary aromas.

Technical data

Appellation: Etna Rosé DOC Metodo Classico
Alcohol: 12% vol.
Bottle format: 0.75 L
Dosage: Dosaggio Zero

Tasting profile

Delicate pale pink, animated by a very fine perlage. Aromas of bread crust, raspberry, redcurrant and wild strawberry are joined by citrus nuances associated with Etna's volcanic terrain. The palate is fresh and lively, with pronounced mineral character and a pleasant, palate-tingling acidity.