What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta?

Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta is a red wine of great personality that expresses the strength and elegance of the northern slopes of Etna. It is made from a blend of Nerello Mascalese, the region's main grape, with small percentages of Nerello Cappuccio, Alicante Bouschet, and Grenache. This combination gives the wine a balance of structure, freshness, and aromatic intensity. Medium-bodied yet profound, 'Navigabile' 2021 embodies Ayunta's authentic style: an elegant, mineral, and long-lasting red, capable of fully expressing the connection between man and the volcanic mountain.

Vintage Details

The 2021 harvest on Etna was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm but not excessive summers and good diurnal temperature variations. These conditions favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes, ensuring significant aromatic concentration and ripe tannins. The result is a vintage that combines intensity and finesse, making Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 particularly harmonious and ready to drink, while also showing good aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are hand-picked from vineyards located between 700 and 800 meters above sea level, on sandy and mineral soils of volcanic origin. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with extended skin maceration to extract color, aromas, and tannins. This is followed by 14 months of aging in wooden barrels of varying capacities, which softens the tannic texture and enriches the wine's aromatic profile without overpowering its freshness.

Tasting Notes

Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta stands out for its balance, elegance, and a distinct volcanic imprint found in every stage of the tasting.

Color

The color is transparent ruby red with slight garnet reflections, typical of Etna reds. It indicates finesse and good longevity, with a brilliance that promises freshness and clean taste.

Nose

The nose reveals notes of ripe small red fruits – cherry, raspberry, currant – followed by floral hints of violet and a spicy and balsamic undertone. The mineral component, typical of volcanic wines, manifests in delicate smoky and ferrous nuances.

Taste

On the palate, it is harmonious, with fine and well-integrated tannins. The structure is slender, supported by a pleasant acidity that gives tension and drinkability. The finish is long and closes with notes of red fruit, aromatic herbs, and lava rock. An elegant and territorial wine, ideal for those who love characterful yet balanced reds.

What dishes to pair with Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta

Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta is a versatile companion at the table, suitable for both traditional Sicilian dishes and more contemporary cuisines. It pairs perfectly with:

• Savory first courses, such as pasta with ragu or baked lasagna
• White and red meats, especially roast lamb or pork
• Semi-aged cheeses and mountain cured meats
• Fatty fish or structured seafood preparations, such as baked tuna or swordfish

A wine to share during convivial lunches or dinners where you want to bring the most authentic soul of Etna to the table.

Storage and aging: how to store Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta wine

To preserve the characteristics of Etna Rosso DOC 'Navigabile' 2021 - Ayunta, it is recommended to store the bottles horizontally, in a cool place with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C, avoiding thermal shocks and direct light. Thanks to its structure and acidity, the wine can evolve positively in the bottle for 8-10 years, developing further spicy nuances and an interesting tertiary bouquet. For optimal tasting, it is recommended to uncork the bottle at least half an hour before serving and serve it at approximately 18°C.