What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 'Contrada Monte San Nicolò' 2021 - Nicosia?

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Contrada Monte San Nicolò' 2021 - Nicosia is a Sicilian red of character, an authentic expression of the volcanic territory from which it originates. It is produced with 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes, an indigenous variety that finds its ideal habitat on the volcanic soils of Etna. The Etna Rosso DOC designation guarantees the origin and quality of an elegant, balanced, medium-bodied wine, capable of harmoniously combining freshness and aromatic depth.

Vintage Details

The 2021 harvest on Etna was characterized by a balanced climate, with mild temperatures and an excellent temperature range between day and night, conditions that favored slow and complete ripening of the grapes. At 550-600 meters of altitude on the south-eastern slope of the volcano, Contrada Monte San Nicolò offered healthy and concentrated bunches, capable of conveying the mineral essence and fineness of the Etna terroir into the glass.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation at controlled temperatures for about 10-15 days: a phase that allows for optimal extraction of color and aromas without compromising the elegance of the tannins. Maceration, i.e., the contact between must and skins, takes place throughout the fermentation period, ensuring good gustatory complexity. Aging occurs partly in steel to preserve freshness and partly in barriques and tonneaux, small wooden containers that add subtle spicy notes and greater roundness.

Tasting Notes

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Contrada Monte San Nicolò' 2021 - Nicosia is a wine that captivates with its balance and identity, telling the story of the volcano's strength and the finesse of Nerello Mascalese.

Color

It presents an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, typical of Etna wines, bright and brilliant in the glass.

Nose

The aroma is elegant and complex: notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and raspberry emerge, followed by mineral nuances and slight balsamic and spicy hints, reminiscent of the wood in which it rested.

Palate

On the palate, it is harmonious and structured, with present but fine tannins and a pleasant acidity that prolongs its freshness. The long finish is mineral and slightly savory, inviting another sip.

Food pairings for Etna Rosso DOC 'Contrada Monte San Nicolò' 2021 - Nicosia

The versatility of this Etna Rosso makes it perfect to accompany a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes. Ideal pairings include:

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Herb chicken or stewed rabbit
• Pasta dishes with meat or mushroom sauces
• Aged or semi-aged cheeses

Its balanced structure and mineral touch also make it excellent with typical Sicilian recipes, such as caponata or pasta with tomato and eggplant-based sauces.

Storage and aging: how to store Etna Rosso DOC 'Contrada Monte San Nicolò' 2021 - Nicosia

To preserve the qualities of this Etna red, it is important to store it in a cool environment, with a constant temperature between 14°C and 18°C, away from light and heat sources. The bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains constantly moist.

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Contrada Monte San Nicolò' 2021 - Nicosia has good aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for 5-7 years, developing more complex aromas and an even softer and deeper taste over time.