DISGORGING GAUDENSIUS: 32 MONTHS ON LEES
FINE BUBBLES FROM ETNA
The interior of a 17th century wine press house and the silence of a mountain vineyard
It is Gaudensius. A classic method sparkling wine that has rested in silent harmon for thirtytwo months in the twilight of the Cavanera old press house. The Etna volcano stands there like a guardian, watching over the absolute beauty of its pristine nature. This morning the time has come for the “dégorgement”, ie. disgorging of Gaudensius. It is a delicate operation from the “méthode champenoise” that requires experience, efficiency and absolute precision.
DISGORGING
In the precious treasure chest of Cavanera Etnea, Firriato’s own style of traditional disgorgement
Disgorgement of Gaudensius is perhaps the most delicate moment in the evolution of this unique sparkling wine made according to the classic method. It is performed to remove residues of exhausted yeast, the bidule and the crown cap and refill the bottle with the “liqueur d’expedition” for the second fermentation. For Gaudensius we have our own secret recipe, created over time and constantly honed, always respecting the peculiarities of Etna’s local grape varieties.
NERELLO MADE SPARKLING
The intense bouquet of Nerello Mascalese grapes in a classic method sparkling wine
From the moment of disgorging we already knew that Guadensius had some extraordinarily elegant fragrances. This is due to the native Etna cultivar, Nerello Mascalese. The bouquet of Gaudensius immediately seemed to us intense and persistent with pronounced hints of citrus.
Only a grape like Nerello Mascalese can be so versatile, if trained in the vineyard by such experienced hands as those of Firriato’s, as to make spectacular classic method sparkling wines.
ETNA DOC SPARKLING WINE
The DOC designation of origin means preserving the unique Etna heritage
Firriato has been committed for years to protecting the Etna wine heritage, and this disgorgement is, like the others, another major stage in winemaking philosophy.
Each bottle contains an enormous capital of “Etnaness”. A classic method sparkling wine vinified, aged and refermented within the Etna production area so that it can bear the “ETNA DOC SPUMANTE” designation.