What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 'Feudo' 2021 - Girolamo Russo

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Feudo' 2021 - Girolamo Russo is born on the slopes of the Etna volcano, a unique territory that gives the wines a mineral and intense personality. It is primarily made from Nerello Mascalese grapes, an indigenous Sicilian varietal, with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio. This combination gives the wine elegance, depth, and a surprising ability to evolve over time. The body is medium-structured, supported by a lively freshness and fine tannins, typical of Etna reds.

Vintage details

The 2021 vintage on Etna was characterized by balanced weather, with a dry summer and moderate temperatures that favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The temperature swings between day and night intensified the aromas and preserved excellent natural acidity, values that translate into a dynamic and harmonious wine, a faithful interpreter of its territory.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking process for Etna Rosso DOC 'Feudo' 2021 - Girolamo Russo respects tradition. After manual harvesting, the grapes are fermented in steel tanks with a maceration on the skins for about 10–12 days, to gently extract color and tannins. This is followed by an aging period of 18 months in second-passage barriques and tonneaux, which softens the tannic structure without weighing down the aromatic profile. The result is a balanced and complex wine with an authentic and recognizable character.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a luminous ruby red, with garnet reflections that anticipate its maturity and finesse.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with a refined bouquet, where aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and raspberry intertwine, accompanied by floral notes of violet and spicy hints of black pepper and Mediterranean herbs. A mineral undertone, typical of volcanic soils, gives it depth and distinctiveness.

Taste

On the palate, it is harmonious and enveloping. The structure is elegant, the tannins are subtle yet present, well-balanced by a pleasant freshness. The finish is long and refined, with a return of red fruits and a slight savory note that invites another sip.

What dishes to pair with Etna Rosso DOC 'Feudo' 2021 - Girolamo Russo

Versatile and gastronomic, this Etna Rosso lends itself to numerous Mediterranean cuisine pairings. It is ideal with:

• grilled white or red meat dishes,
• medium-intensity aged cheeses,
• risottos with mushrooms or seafood,
• pasta with tomato or eggplant sauces.

Also excellent with typical Sicilian dishes such as meat rolls, caponata, or first courses with sausage and wild fennel.

Storage and aging: how to store Etna Rosso DOC 'Feudo' 2021 - Girolamo Russo wine

To best preserve its qualities, Etna Rosso DOC 'Feudo' 2021 - Girolamo Russo should be stored horizontally, in a cool, dark environment with controlled humidity (between 60% and 80%). The ideal storage temperature is about 14–16°C. Thanks to its structure and balanced acidity, it can evolve in the bottle for up to 8–10 years, developing even more complex and refined nuances over time. It is advisable to serve it at a temperature of 16–18°C, after a brief decanting to allow the wine to express its full aromatic potential.