Contrada Marchesa 2019 ETNA RED DOC wine- Donnafugata

DENOMINATION: Etna Rosso Doc Contrada Marchesa.

GRAPES: Nerello Mascalese, the main red grape variety native of Etna.

PRODUCTION AREA: Eastern Sicily, on the northern slope of Etna, in the Marchesa district at Castiglione di Sicilia.

LAND AND CLIMATE: altitude approximately 750 m above sea level; the lava soil has a sandy texture, a subacid-neutral pH, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lava soil allows for a significant expansion of the root system. This area north of the volcano is characterized by lower rainfall than the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night. Due to its location, Contrada Marchesa is well ventilated and sunny.

VINEYARD: about 2 hectares (5 acres); partly etnean Alberello (bush vine) with 6,900 plants per hectare, 80 plus years old, and partly VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trained with spurred cordon pruning with a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare. The production yield is about 4-5 tons per hectare (1.6-2 tons per acre).

VINTAGE: on Etna that of 2019 was cooler and rainier (946mm) than the average * (801mm) of the territory; rains also occurred in spring and summer, quite usual for vineyards located above 700 m. above sea level; in particular, the rains between mid-August and early September enhanced freshness and aroma. On this side of the volcano the following weeks were dry; this climatic factor together with the choice to carry out some thinning favored the desired ripening and the regular development of the harvest. The red wines are very elegant and with an extremely fine and well integrated tannin. * average rainfall recorded starting from the 2007 harvest, and recorded in Randazzo by SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service; in this area, the rainfall data refer to the agricultural year from 1 November to 31 October of the following year.

HARVEST: careful selection of the grapes in the vineyard, and manual harvesting in crates; the high summer temperatures led to an advance of about 10 days with respect to the traditional ripening period of the grapes in this area; in particular in the Marchesa district the Nerello Mascalese was harvested on 7 and 8/10.

VINIFICATION: upon receipt in the cellar, further selection of the bunches on the vibrating table and subsequent selection of the grapes thanks to a destemmer capable of selecting only perfectly ripe grapes, discarding the green and overripe ones. Fermentation in steel with maceration on the skins for 10-12 days at a temperature of 25 ° C. Aging for 14 months in French oak (second and third passage barriques) and then over 18 months in the bottle before being marketed.

ANALYTICAL DATA: alcohol 14.10% vol. - total acidity 5.6g / l. - pH 3.42.

TASTING NOTES (31/01/2021): with a light ruby ​​red color, Etna Rosso Doc Contrada Marchesa has a fragrant bouquet with fruity hints of raspberry and plum, floral (violet and violet), aromatic herbs (rosemary and thyme ) which blend with spicy notes of nutmeg, notes of undergrowth and delicate balsamic nuances. In the mouth it stands out for the great balance between freshness and structure. The fine tannic texture enhances this cru, an icon of volcanic elegance.

LONGEVITY: over 10 years

FOOD&WINE: excellent with risotto, meat and game. Try also with legume or vegetable soups delicately spiced. Serve in large goblets at 18°C (64°F).

WHEN YOU WISH: an exclusive and memorable experience. Enjoy unique sensations over time. Enrich your collection with inimitable and long-lived wines. Make a prestigious gift.

DIALOGUE WITH ART: the protagonist of this label, designed by the illustrator Stefano Vitale, is brimming with charm and mystery. A volcano-goddess with an aristocratic face, adorned with precious jewels: flowers and fruits that reflect the prestige of this select area. The label also depicts the medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia and its vineyards interspersed with volcanic ashes.

FIRST VINTAGE: 2017.