What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 'a Rina' 2023 - Girolamo Russo?

The Etna Rosso DOC 'a Rina' 2023 - Girolamo Russo is a Sicilian red wine made predominantly from Nerello Mascalese grapes with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio, native varieties that find their ideal habitat on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. The "Etna Rosso DOC" appellation embodies the power of the volcano and the elegance of a wine capable of combining minerality, freshness, and structure. In the glass, it presents as a medium-bodied red, delicate in aromas yet decisive in personality, an authentic expression of the altitude and volcanic soils that make Girolamo Russo's wines unique.

Vintage details

The 2023 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate on Etna: dry summers, good diurnal temperature variations, and a regular harvest. The grapes were hand-picked in early October, in perfect health. This allowed for optimal ripening, preserving aromatic freshness and ensuring a beautiful concentration of fruit and a natural acidic vibrancy, typical of the Etnean terroir.

Winemaking and aging

After meticulous selection of the bunches, fermentation takes place in steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, thanks to a maceration on the skins for about 10-12 days, necessary to extract color, aromas, and tannins. This is followed by an aging period of about one year in oak barriques and tonneaux, partly new and partly second-passage, a choice that rounds out the tannins and adds complexity without masking the varietal notes. The result is a balanced wine, faithful to its territory and perfectly consistent with Girolamo Russo's production philosophy, based on organic farming and full respect for nature.

Tasting notes

Color

It presents a brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of youth but also of typicality. The transparency of the color anticipates its elegance and finesse rather than power.

Nose

On the nose, aromas of cherry and raspberry emerge, followed by floral nuances of violet and a hint of sweet spices. The mineral component, linked to the volcanic soil, is clear and harmonious, recalling lava stone and the Etnean undergrowth.

Palate

On the palate, the Etna Rosso DOC 'a Rina' 2023 - Girolamo Russo shows a balanced structure, with fine and well-integrated tannins. The acidic freshness gives momentum and contributes to a pleasant and dynamic drinkability. The finish is long and savory, with a lingering taste of red fruits and light toasted notes.

Food pairings for Etna Rosso DOC 'a Rina' 2023 - Girolamo Russo

This Etna Rosso pairs with great versatility with numerous Mediterranean dishes:

• Roasted or grilled white meats
• Pasta dishes with meat or mushroom sauces
• Semi-aged cheeses
• Flavorful baked fish, such as tuna or swordfish

Its freshness and minerality also make it suitable for slightly spicy or seasoned dishes. Perfect for accompanying a convivial dinner or for surprising guests with a wine of character, yet accessible.

Storage and aging

For those wondering how to store Etna Rosso DOC 'a Rina' 2023 - Girolamo Russo wine, the answer is simple: choose a dark environment, with a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C and controlled humidity. Avoid temperature fluctuations and keep the bottles lying down to preserve the wine's contact with the cork. Thanks to its structure and the perfect balance between acidity and tannin, this Etna Rosso can evolve positively in the bottle for another 4-6 years, developing elegant notes of spices, earth, and undergrowth over time. An ideal choice for both those who love to enjoy young and vibrant wines, and for those who wish to discover all the complexity that time bestows upon the great reds of Etna.