Etna Rosso
Graci’s Etna Rosso is the estate’s calling card: a pure, unadorned expression of Nerello Mascalese from high-altitude volcanic vineyards on Etna’s northern slope. Long maceration, wild fermentation, and patient aging in concrete yield a wine of ethereal color, silken texture, and profound mineral depth — often compared to fine Burgundy or Nebbiolo, yet unmistakably of the volcano.
Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
Type: Red, dry
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese – indigenous to the Etna area
Color: Bright ruby red.
Bouquet: On the nose it offers fine, delicate aromas of blood orange, accompanied by light floral notes and spicy nuances.
Palate: Dry, elegant and dynamic, with vertical tannins, good freshness and a balanced finish that recalls the character of the Etna terroir.
Serving temperature: 16–18°C (60–64°F); benefits from a brief decant
Food Pairings: Pasta with meat ragù, roasted or grilled meats, braised white meats, mushroom dishes, aged and fresh cheeses.
Production area: The north-eastern slope of Etna at Passopisciaro - Castiglione di Sicilia, Province of Catania.
Altitude: 600-700 meters (2,000-2,300 feet) a.s.l.
Vine Density: Between 6,000 and 10,000 plants per hectare.
Soil type: The vineyards are planted at a density of between 6,000 and 10,000 vines per hectare.
Yield: 30 hectolitres per hectare - 3 or 4 bunches per vine.
Harvest: Mid-October.
Fermentation: Traditional red-wine fermentation with maceration on the skins for about 30 days.
Aging: The wine matures for 18 months in concrete tanks, with spontaneous malolactic fermentation.
2012 Etna Rosso – 92 Points – James Suckling (Oct 2014)
"Super silky and refined red with plum, cocoa, mineral and walnut character. Full body, integrated tannins and a chewy finish. Better in 2016 but beautiful now."
2012 Etna Rosso – 88 Points – Wine Spectator (Aug 2014)
"Ripe and creamy black cherry and wild strawberry fruit is layered with chewy tannins and subtle accents of violet, tarry mineral and anise in this mouthwatering, medium-bodied red." ~ A.N.
2012 Etna Rosso – 91 Points – Robert Parker Wine Advocate (#212 May 2014)
"A pure expression of Nerello Mascalese, the 2012 Etna Rosso shows a gorgeous garnet hue with brilliant ruby highlights. The color is healthy and saturated. Elegant and integrated aromas of dark fruit, ash, tobacco and spice are present in equal measure. Its texture is thickly woven and velvety in feel with firm, but well-managed tannins. A few more years in the bottle will soften up the fabric of this wine." ~ M.L.
