What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 'Arcuria' 2021 - Graci

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Arcuria' 2021 - Graci is a red wine of great character and authenticity, produced on the northern slopes of Etna, in the heart of Contrada Arcuria, one of the most renowned areas of the denomination. It is primarily made from Nerello Mascalese grapes, the native varietal symbol of the volcano, with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio. The result is an elegant yet decisive red, capable of combining the mineral strength of the territory with the refinement of great mountain wines.

Vintage details

The 2021 vintage on Etna was balanced, characterized by a regular climatic trend with good temperature excursions between day and night. This favored optimal grape maturation and the formation of intense and complex aromas. The harvest took place manually at the end of October, fully respecting the natural timing of the vineyard.

Vinification and aging

The vinification of Etna Rosso DOC 'Arcuria' 2021 - Graci follows an artisanal approach that respects the grapes. Fermentation occurs spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts, in truncated conical oak vats, without thermo-mechanical control, to preserve the varietal aromas. The maceration on the skins (i.e., the contact of the must with the skins to extract color and tannins) is long, thus imparting structure and depth. Aging continues for about 18 months in oak barrels, which integrate the wine without overpowering its volcanic character.

Tasting notes

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Arcuria' 2021 - Graci is a wine of fascinating sensory complexity, balanced and very enjoyable, embodying the typical elegance of Nerello Mascalese.

Color

Visually, it presents a luminous ruby red, transparent and brilliant, indicative of a fine and not excessively extracted wine.

Nose

The nose is refined and deep: notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and raspberry stand out, followed by spicy, floral tones and slight smoky hints, typical of volcanic soils. The bouquet evolves in the glass, revealing a complex and harmonious personality.

Palate

On the palate, it is elegant and vibrant, with a fine yet decisive tannic texture. The mineral freshness accompanies a long, persistent, and well-balanced sip. It is a wine that grows in the glass, offering continuously evolving nuances.

Food pairings for Etna Rosso DOC 'Arcuria' 2021 - Graci

This Etna red is extremely versatile at the table. Its elegance and balance make it ideal for traditional dishes and more creative recipes. Excellent with:

• grilled or roasted red meats;
• roasted lamb or kid with aromatic herbs;
• pasta dishes with meat ragu or porcini mushrooms;
• aged cheeses and typical Sicilian cured meats.

Also worth trying with more structured seafood dishes, such as seared tuna or fish soups, for those who appreciate refined yet unexpected pairings.

Storage and aging

For those wondering how to store Etna Rosso DOC 'Arcuria' 2021 - Graci, it is important to know that this is a red wine capable of evolving over time. It should be stored in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from direct light and heat sources. It can age for 8-10 years, developing further notes of spices, earth, and ripe fruit. Opened at the right moment, it reveals all the depth and finesse that make this great Etna wine unique.