Cuvée made from Nerello Mascalese (80%) and Grenache (20%). The first grape variety is obvious, the second comes as something of a surprise. Grenache can be found in many Italian wine-growing regions, but hardly ever under its original name: In Sardinia it is called Cannonau (and is by far the most important red grape variety there), in Tuscany Alicante, in Veneto Tai Rosso and around Lake Trasimeno Gamay.
We have not yet found out how Grenache found its way to Sicily, but the fact is that the grape variety has been taking root on Mount Etna for quite some time and has no problems with the altitude and the often harsh weather conditions in the shadow of the volcano. On the contrary.
Rori Parasiliti's Grenache vines have been growing at 950 metres in the Rivaggi vineyard for almost 90 years. The subsoil is obviously lava rock. Like Nerello Mascalese, its congenial partner on Mount Etna, it ripens late and is rarely harvested before the end of October.
Both are then fermented spontaneously in contact with their skins, pressed after three weeks and matured in stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels. There is no filtering and minimal sulphurisation.
Softer, more open and velvety than Rori Parasiliti's single-varietal Nerello Mascalese "Alberello". Dark fruit, herbs, eucalyptus. Carries plenty of substance and power. Concentrated and fleshy. Structured and compact. Puts good pressure on the palate. Flows elegantly, persistently and long over the palate.
Data sheet
Grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese (80%) & Grenache
Vineyard: Rivaggi/Etna, volcanic subsoil
Harvest: by hand
Fermentation: spontaneous | wild yeasts, three weeks in contact with the skins
Ageing: in stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels
Filtration: no
SO₂: 8 mg/litre
Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Drinking temperature: 16-18 °C
Perfect drinking maturity: from now - 2030
Content and price per litre: 0.75 l/(€56/l)
Maxime: All winegrowers listed on Vinonudo work with compost, organic fertilisers and natural preparations in their vineyards and do not use herbicides, pesticides or artificial fertilisers.
