What kind of wine is Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta?
The Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT "Little A & Butterfly" 2015 - Calabretta is a red wine that authentically expresses the volcanic soul of Etna and the Sicilian winemaking tradition. It is born from a balance of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, native island grape varieties, with the addition of small quantities of local white grapes that lend finesse and freshness to the aromatic complexity. Calabretta is a producer who embraces an artisanal and natural approach, working organically and respecting the territory. The result is a medium-to-full-bodied wine with an elegant structure where fruit, minerality, and tannin find perfect harmony.Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage in Sicily offered balanced climatic conditions, with warm but ventilated summers and excellent day-night temperature variations, ideal for the phenolic maturation of the grapes. The vines, rooted in mineral-rich volcanic soils, yielded concentrated and healthy bunches. The result is an intense and lively wine, with a clear aromatic profile and well-integrated tannins.Winemaking and Aging
The production of Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT "Little A & Butterfly" 2015 - Calabretta follows traditional winemaking principles. Fermentation occurs spontaneously, thanks to indigenous yeasts, in 10-hectoliter barrels. Maceration on the skins lasts approximately 5 days, a sufficient period to extract color, aromas, and good tannic structure without excess. This is followed by aging in steel tanks and used barriques, which do not overshadow the fruit but rather enhance its varietal typicity and the depth of the Etna terroir.Tasting Notes
The sensory experience offered by this wine is complete and captivating, ideal for both those new to Sicilian wines and those seeking authentic and unconventional expressions.Color
Visually, it presents a beautiful, luminous ruby red color, with garnet reflections suggesting the wine's slight evolution.Nose
The bouquet is broad and intriguing: notes of ripe red fruits, cherry and plum, floral hints, and a delicate mineral imprint reminiscent of lava stone emerge. In the background, slight spicy nuances are perceptible, a sign of aging and the character of the grape variety.Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious and balanced. The attack is soft, followed by an elegant tannic texture and a pleasant freshness that invites another sip. The minerality provides depth, while the finish is long and savory, with a return to the fruit and the volcanic soil from which it originates.Food Pairings for Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta
This Sicilian red pairs perfectly with dishes that have a bold yet balanced character. It is a versatile wine, suitable for both traditional Sicilian cuisine and more modern dishes. Excellent with:- Grilled red meats and roasts
- Aged and semi-aged cheeses
- Mushroom or eggplant dishes
- Pasta with ragù or game sauces
Storage and Aging: How to Store Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta
To best preserve its characteristics, store Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT "Little A & Butterfly" 2015 - Calabretta in a cool place, away from light and temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature is between 12 and 16°C, with the bottle positioned horizontally to keep the cork moist. Thanks to its structure and careful aging, this wine has excellent aging potential and can evolve for several years, developing increasingly complex and fascinating tertiary notes. Perfect for those who wish to discover how a Sicilian wine can mature over time, maintaining authenticity and vitality.Calabretta
The history of the Calabretta winery Calabretta is a winery rooted in the fertile lands of Etna, evoking images of tradition and artisanal craftsmanship. Founded in the early twentieth century, the winery boasts a heritage passed down from generation to generation, keeping alive a history of pass...
How to best open and serve Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta, it is important to let it rest upright for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing during serving.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal serving temperature for this Sicilian red is between 16°C and 18°C. If the wine is stored in a cooler place, it is advisable to leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before opening. Avoid serving it too warm to prevent altering its aromas and structure.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or blade corkscrew to gently extract the cork, as the cork in vintage wines can be fragile. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule below the bottle neck ring.
- Wipe the rim with a cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew worm slowly and twist until almost at the base of the cork.
- Extract with a controlled movement, avoiding jerks that could dislodge sediments.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the wine's color and appearance. Pour a small amount into the glass for a first taste: check for any signs of oxidation or cork spoilage. A clean and complex aroma confirms that Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta has been properly preserved.
5. Decanting and aeration
To fully enhance the aromas and structure of this mature red, decanting is recommended. Proceed as follows:
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and monitoring for sediment.
- Allow to aerate for about 30-45 minutes before serving.
This step allows the wine to open up, releasing its fruity, spicy, and tertiary notes resulting from aging.
6. Serving
Use large red wine glasses to allow proper aeration. Pour a moderate amount, leaving room for the wine to express itself in the glass. Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta pairs perfectly with structured dishes, red meats, game, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with the original cork or an airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator or in a temperature-controlled wine cooler. The wine will retain its characteristics for 2 or 3 days, provided it has not been exposed to direct light and heat.
By following these steps, you can taste Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT 'Little A & Butterfly' 2015 - Calabretta at its best, appreciating every nuance and the work of the producer Calabretta.