Nerello Mascalese, so refined and delicate, yet profound and multi-layered, could easily be mistaken for the finest Burgundian Pinots or Piedmontese Nebbiolos (it even shares their slightly transparent garnet-red color).
On a parcel of just over one hectare in the Contrada Crasà on the northern slope of Mount Etna, Rori Parasiliti cultivates ancient bush-trained vines. These vines produce grapes of remarkable substance and depth, which he transforms into a brilliant and subtle wine that can undoubtedly be counted among Italy's finest and most elegant.
The soil is naturally volcanic rock, though in Contrada Crasà it is older, softer, and less rocky compared to Rori’s other sites.
The “Alberello” ferments spontaneously in cement vats, where it also matures for 13 months. The wine is neither filtered nor heavily sulfured.
Style
Italy is home to countless wine blogs, many of which are exceptionally well-written. Sometimes, they are so compelling that they deserve to be quoted. On gustodivino.it, Rori’s Alberello was described with such passion that I feel compelled to share an excerpt:
“Never loud, the wine takes its time before revealing its story… Each sip evokes new emotions, growing increasingly captivating and complex; without asking or imposing, it invites you to keep drinking, eager to share something new...
...Finishing the bottle is like completing a book you’ve devoured page by page—it leaves you with a subtle sense of emptiness.
On the nose: elderflower & violets reminiscent of fine Nebbiolo, rhubarb, a hint of ginger, aromatic spices, peat. Subtle red fruits make an appearance but do not dominate. After a few swirls of the glass, aromas reminiscent of a forest walk among mountain pines emerge. You sense the freshness of morning dew, the cold mist rising from the forest greenery toward the summit of Mount Etna. The aftertaste is less mineral than expected, yet taut, with the characteristic caper notes (!) of Nerello Mascalese in the background. Overall, the 'Alberello' is aristocratic and elegant, with a long, aromatic, and refined finish.”
Very Italian, very beautiful.
Specifications
Varietals: Nerello Mascalese, vines up to 100 years old
Vineyard: Crasà
Harvest: By hand
Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts, 3-week maceration
Aging: 13 months in cement vats
Filtration: None
SO₂: 8 mg/l
Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Serving temperature: 16-18°C
Optimal drinking window: From now – 2035
Content and price per liter: 0.75 l (€56/l)
Philosophy: All winemakers listed by Vinonudo work in their vineyards using compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations, avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers.
