Etna Rosso Arcurìa
In Contrada Arcurìa, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, Nerello Mascalese takes root in ancient volcanic soils between six and seven hundred meters above the sea. Fermented with native yeasts, macerated slowly, and raised eighteen months in great oak vats, it becomes a red of luminous purity — perfumed, finely woven, and profound, the peak expression of a single vineyard on the volcano.
Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
Type: Red, dry
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese – indigenous to the Etna area
Color: Pale yet luminous ruby red.
Bouquet:Complex, deep aromas, with notes of red fruits, blood-orange citrus, fine spices and subtle mineral nuances.
Palate: Structured and enveloping, with dense, elegant tannins, good freshness and a long finish that reflects the complexity of the Etna terroir.
Alcohol content: 14%
Food Pairings: Roasted lamb, grilled and braised meats, game birds, mushroom and truffle dishes, mature cheeses.
Vineyard Location: All of the fruit comes from an ancient vineyard on the northeast side of Etna, near Passopisciaro, Castiglione di Sicily in the Province of Catania.
Altitude: 600 - 700 meters (1,950 - 2,300 feet) a.s.l.
Soil: Brown, of volcanic origin, rich in skeleton, between sandy loam and sandy francs, with a neutral ph, non-calcareous, rich to very rich in iron and with a high nitrogen content.
Training: Alberello grown espalier.
Vine Density: The vines are trained as bush vines (alberello), with a planting density of between 6,000 and 10,000 vines per hectare.
Yield: 40 quintals (three/four bunches per plant).
Harvest: Grapes hand-harvested in the second half of October.
Vinification: Traditional fermentation in large truncated-cone oak vats. Long maceration on the skins.
Aging: The wine matures for 24 months in large 42-hl oak casks, with spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
Production: About 16.000 bottles/year.
2012 Etna Rosso Arcuria – 93 Points – James Suckling (Oct 2014)
"Lots of sweet strawberry character on the nose and palate. Very pure. Full body, soft, silky tannins and a long, intense finish. Loads of flavor but lively and tangy. Drink or hold."
2011 Etna Rosso Quota 600 – “Newcomers to Watch” – Decanter Magazine (May 2014)
2011 Etna Rosso Quota 600 – 93 Points – Robert Parker Wine Advocate (#212 May 2014)
"The 2011 Etna Rosso Quota 600 Contrada Arcuria is a pure expression of Nerello Mascalese from the north side of the volcano at 600 meters above sea level. That magical combination of high altitude and strong Sicilian luminosity is what ripened grapes without lessening aromas or freshness. This is an extremely elegant wine that shows a good use of oak to round out some of the grape's harder edges. Exotic spice, dried cherry, wild mountain herbs and a strong dose of volcanic ash contribute to the bouquet. The 2011 vintage shows an especially vibrant quality of red fruit flavors." ~ M.L.
