Importer’s Notes:

CONTRADA CAVALIERE ROSSO 2017

Variety: Nerello Mascalese 100%

Provenance: Selection of grapes from vineyards located on the southwestern side of Mount Etna – Contrada Cavaliere (Municipality of Santa Maria di Licodia – CT), particularly suited for its high altitude and abundant luminosity.

Climate: Mountain climate, less rainy than other slopes of Mount Etna, with high ventilation and luminosity and extremely significant temperature excursions.

Terrain: Sandy, volcanic, rich in minerals with sub-acid reaction.

Age of vineyard: 50 years old. Trained with Guyot system.

Vinification and maturing: Grapes are hand-picked after the second decade of October. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature in stainless steel vats, with a 21 days long maceration, using patented selected indigenous yeasts. The maturation then continues in used tonneaux of French oak for about 12 months and then in stainless steel tanks.

Refining: In bottles for 10 months.

Alcohol content: 14.5%

Organoleptic characteristics: The color is pale ruby red and the scent is ethereal, spicy with hints of red fruit. The taste is dry, medium-full bodied, distinctively tannic, balanced and persistent.

Serve with: Red meats, wild fowl and mature cheeses.

Wine Enthusiast – “Wild berry, Mediterranean herb, scorched soil and a whiff of game meld together on this 100% Nerello Mascalese. On the tightly knit palate, close-grained, drying tannins wrap around dried black cherry, orange zest and licorice alongside a hint of smoky mineral. Drink 2022–2027.” (92 Pts)