Description
Flavia Etna Rosso is a gem of an organic, natural wine from Sicily, available in a 1-litre bottle! … (A sensible size, given how easy it is to drink). It is a 100% Nerello Mascalese wine, a grape variety typical of the Etna region. The terroir is mainly volcanic at an altitude of 700–800 metres, with a north-facing aspect. Right from the start, the wine impresses with its bright, light ruby colour. The nose evokes wild berries, a hint of smokiness and a touch of spice: it’s already making your mouth water. The palate firmly confirms the promise of pleasure hinted at earlier. The tension, the tannins perfectly balanced on a supple structure, the mineral finish… No doubt about it, this is a real showstopper to make your matured cuts of beef shine on the barbecue.
Etna, a unique and extreme terroir
Etna is a volcano located in the north of the province of Catania. It is surrounded by the Ionian Sea to the east, the city of Catania and its plain to the south, and the Nebrodi Mountains to the west and north. Etna forms a mountain rising to an altitude of 3,330 metres and covering an area of 1,200 km². This makes it the highest volcano in Europe and the largest mountain in Italy. During the 20th century, its height frequently varied by around 100 metres depending on lava and mudflows.
Etna’s high altitude creates a relatively humid microclimate that contrasts with the Mediterranean climate prevailing at its base. This allows for fertile agriculture, enriched by the volcanic soils, as well as the presence of a ski resort. The latter operated (largely destroyed by the 2003 eruption) thanks to winter snowfall, etc.
These extreme conditions offer a unique terroir that this Flavia Etna Rosso perfectly captures.
The Etna appellation
Etna is a designation of origin controlled
by a decree of the President of the Republic dated 11 August 1968.
The region eligible for the designation is situated on the slopes of the volcano at altitudes ranging from 400 to 1,100 metres. It comprises the following municipalities:
- Biancavilla
- S. Maria di Licodia
- Paterno
- Belpasso
- Nicolosi
- Pedara
- Trecastagni
- Viagrande (400–500 m above sea level)
- Aci S. Antonio
- Acireale
- S. Venerina
- Giarre
- Mascali
- Zafferana
- Milo.
The Etna Rosso designation allows for the use of two grape varieties native to the Etna region:
- Nerello Mascalese (80%)
- Nerello Cappuccio (20%)
What to eat with a Flavia Etna Rosso?
Grilled cuts of matured beef.
