What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 'Prephylloxera - La Vigna di Don Peppino' 2022 - Tenuta delle Terre Nere

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Prephylloxera - La Vigna di Don Peppino' 2022 - Tenuta delle Terre Nere is an exceptional wine, a symbol of the uniqueness of Etna wines. It is made from old Nerello Mascalese vines grown ungrafted, meaning on original rootstock that miraculously survived the phylloxera epidemic that struck European viticulture in the 19th century. These plants, located in the small plots of the Calderara Sottana district, yield grapes of extraordinary aromatic concentration and complexity.

The result is an elegant red, with a fine yet profound body, representing one of the highest expressions of the Etna Rosso DOC Denomination, and the very essence of Tenuta delle Terre Nere's production philosophy, which has always been a benchmark for Sicilian volcanic wines.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions on Etna, with hot but windy summers and significant day-night temperature variations. These conditions favored perfect phenolic ripening, meaning optimal concentration of color and tannins, ensuring wines with a balanced profile of freshness, structure, and aromatic finesse.

Winemaking and Aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes are carefully selected. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, with a maceration on the skins of about 10-12 days to harmoniously extract color, aromas, and tannins. The wine then continues its aging in French oak barriques and tonneaux for 16-18 months, about 30% of which are new, and completes its maturation with one month in stainless steel. This long aging period allows for a perfect integration between the fruit and the oak notes, without ever sacrificing the typical freshness of the Etna terroir.

Tasting Notes

The wine presents itself with a visual and sensory elegance that captivates from the first glance.

Color

Bright ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of maturity and depth. Transparent yet intense, it speaks of its volcanic origin and the purity of the grape variety.

Nose

The nose is complex and refined: it releases aromas of ripe red fruits, small wild berries, floral notes of violet, touches of sweet spices, and light smoky nuances typical of volcanic soils. With oxygenation, balsamic and mineral hints emerge, amplifying its depth.

Palate

On the palate, it is harmonious and persistent. The tannins are silky yet lively, demonstrating the wine's finesse and youth. The structure is full but agile, supported by a lively acidity that prolongs the finish. The aromatic persistence is long, characterized by mineral and ripe red fruit undertones.

Food Pairings for Etna Rosso DOC 'Prephylloxera - La Vigna di Don Peppino' 2022 - Tenuta delle Terre Nere

This Etna Rosso is a wine of great gastronomic versatility. Perfect for accompanying structured yet elegant dishes, it enhances traditional Sicilian cuisine as well as more refined courses.

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Mushroom or truffle dishes
• Aged hard cheeses
• Hearty pasta dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragù

Its finesse also makes it suitable for less conventional dishes, such as eggplant parmesan or porcini mushroom risotto, enhancing every shade of flavor.

Storage and Aging: How to store Etna Rosso DOC 'Prephylloxera - La Vigna di Don Peppino' 2022 - Tenuta delle Terre Nere

To preserve the characteristics of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a dark place free from thermal shocks, with a constant temperature around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. The bottles should be placed horizontally to keep the cork consistently moist and ensure proper micro-oxygenation of the wine over time.

The Etna Rosso DOC 'Prephylloxera - La Vigna di Don Peppino' 2022 - Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a wine with great evolutionary potential: it can age in the bottle for over 10-15 years, developing increasing complexity and fascinating nuances. Ideal to enjoy today for its freshness, but capable of delivering profound emotions even after a long wait in the cellar.