Old Vines and Their Unique Character: Rori Parasiliti’s Rosé from Mount Etna
Old vines draw their nutriens from deep within even the most barren soils. Although they typically produce fewer grapes, the berries are richly concentrated. Carefully nurtured, these vines often exhibit more character and depth than their younger counterparts. As a result, many winemakers craft their finest wines from these old vines. A select few, however, choose to make Rosé from 50-year-old vines. Rori Parasiliti from SRC is one of them.
On Mount Etna, the concept of "old" holds a different significance than in other wine regions of the world. Rori's 50-year-old vineyards are actually the youngest he has. They are situated at an altitude of 600 meters in nearly black volcanic soil on the northern slopes of the great Sicilian volcano. Here, the classic red Etna varieties Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grow alongside the classic white varieties Carricante and Minella. Additionally, there are a few rows of Sangiovese and Grenache (red), Trebbiano, and Catarratto (white). Following Etna tradition, Rori harvests all these varieties simultaneously and processes them together. The must then spends 40 hours in contact with the skins before being pressed and spontaneously fermented. The wine is aged in cement tanks for almost a year.
Style
Mineral-driven, lively, and juicy. Notes of blood orange, cool red fruits, and herbs. It delivers a burst of energy from the first sip. Focused, yet dense and compact, it has more power and structure than other Rosés, with a fine tannin structure. The finish is long and mineral-rich.
Technical Sheet
Grape Varieties: Nerello Mascalese & Nerello Cappuccio (60%), Carricante, Minella, Trebbiano & Catarratto (30%), Sangiovese and Grenache (10%)
Vineyard: Crasa & Calderara, volcanic soil, 50-year-old vines
Harvest: By hand
Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts, 40 hours skin contact in stainless steel tanks
Aging: In cement tanks
Filtration: None
SO₂: 8 mg/l
Alcohol Content: 11.5% vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Serving Temperature: 10-12°C
Optimal Drinking Window: From now until 2027
Content and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€23.62/l)
Philosophy: All winemakers listed at Vinonudo work in their vineyards with compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations, avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
