Contrada Marchesa · Etna Rosso DOC 2018

  Donnafugata's Contrada Marchesa Etna Rosso is the magnificent essence of volcanic terroir: made exclusively from the Nerello Mascalese grape variety, the vines grow on an amphitheater-like terrain formed by ancient lava flows on the northern flank of Mount Etna at an altitude of 730-750 meters. The barren, sandy, volcanic ash-rich soils and the pronounced day-night temperature difference give the wine a lively freshness and mineral clarity. After careful hand harvesting, the grapes undergo ten to twelve days of maceration at moderate temperatures, followed by aging in French barriques and further bottle aging - all factors that determine the wine's delicate structure and depth of origin.

In the glass, this Etna cru presents itself in a light ruby red with violet reflections - a visual promise of elegance and style. The nose reveals intense aromas of red currants and cherries, interwoven with balsamic notes and herbs such as rosemary and thyme, as well as spicy accents of cloves and undergrowth. On the palate, the wine impresses with a dreamlike balance between lively freshness and solid body; fine, polished tannins carry a long, mineral-driven finish. This wine pairs excellently with braised lamb, game dishes, or rich risottos - and impressively demonstrates how stony lava rock and Sicilian altitude can create wine enjoyment at the highest level. - Gerardo [TS10/19]