Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso

In July 2016, Barolo producer Giovanni Rosso's son Davide purchased an old vineyard on the Northern slope of Mount Etna in Sicily and, began to vinify small lots of indigenous varietals.

The Etna DOC area covers the slopes of Mount Etna, the 10,000 foot active volcano that dominates the Northeastern corner of Sicily. The high elevations and volcanic soils make this a unique growing region and it was the very first appellation in Sicily, Some of Etna’s vineyards are among the highest elevation in Italy.

This wine is 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% Nerello Cappuccio fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12 days with daily pumping overs. The wine aged in French oak barrels for 15 months before bottling. A perfect wine for the heat of summer, it has sweetness on the nose but finishes extremely dry with a refreshing signoff. This wine exemplifies just what an exciting category Etna Rosso is right now. A 6.5ha estate on the northern slopes of Etna sat at 750m, winemaker Andrea Delpiano is based in Piedmont, but is in Sicily every month. A must buy.

Tasting Notes

Fine and deep in the aromas, introduced by Mediterranean citrusy sensations, followed by violet, bergamot, wet stones, forest leaves and elegant hints of white pepper. On the palate, it is juicy; progressive delicate tannins and vibrant acidity. Neat and savory finish.

Food Pairing

Charcuterie, risotto, Wellington style filet, mushrooms soup.

Nerello Mascalese

Italy, Sicily