The delicate shades of Nerello Mascalese
LE SABBIE DELL'ETNA
DOC Etna
Nerello Mascalese
Refined, fragrant and fresh: these are the sensations evoked by the rosé version of Le Sabbie dell’Etna. The delicate color is followed by nuances of raspberry and pomegranate in a harmonious path characterised by a long and persistent finish. Nerello Mascalese grapes linked to the territory of the volcano by a centuries-old relationship, are magnificently exalted in this unique rosé produced by Firriato in its Cavanera estate. The vinification process involves a few hours of pellicular maceration in a press. An important step giving elegance and complexity to the wine, and offering some of the most surprising nuances to those winelovers appreciating one of the most famous and traditional vines of the Etna volcano.
- Appellation: Etna Rosato DOC
- Vine: Nerello Mascalese
- Terroir: mountain
- Soil: volcanic soils , highly draining
- Exposure: north (720 mt. a.s.l)
Production Area
Cavanera Etnea
The Cavanera Etnea vineyards are located on the north-northeast of the Etna Volcano. The winter temperatures are on average low, with a high difference in temperature between day and night. These unique soil and climate conditions favour the complex aromatic profile of the grapes.
LE SABBIE DELL'ETNA ROSATO
Fresh and refined hints of the Volcano
On the north-eastern side of Etna, Firriato vinegrows Nerello Mascalese grapes embarked for the production of rosé. The practice of trimming the tops of shoots eases the formation of secondary shoots to maintain the ideal microclimatic conditions to degrade the phenolic compounds and reduce the pigmentation in the grapes. On the other hand, the control of plant vigor eases the synthesis of aromatic precursors keeping high the acid-sugar ratio. After selecting the best bunches, grapes are subjected to skin maceration for a few hours and then softly pressed. These operations allow the creation of a delicate, fresh and fragrant pink wine.
LE SABBIE DELL'ETNA ROSATO
The characteristics of vintages
2022
On the north-eastern side of the volcano the growth of the plants was characterized by a spring with a mild climate and little rain, followed by an unusually dry summer.
2021
The 2021 harvest, after a mild spring, the sirocco showed its strength which, together with the decrease in rainfall, brought about a week earlier than the harvest.
2020
The 2020 grape harvest was regular on the north-eastern side of the Volcano, thanks to a climatic trend with temperatures below the seasonal average (the only exception being the first decade of August) and abundant rainfall that slightly postponed the ripening phase and collection.
2019
Vintage 2019 was generally affected by the colder and rainier climatic trend compared to the averages of recent years.
Temperatures were below seasonal average, favorable climatic conditions were also recorded during the flowering period and ripening. The vegetative development of the plants was optimal, with perfectly functioning foliage, and a reduction in the average weight of the bunch which favored an increase in the average quality.
2018
The climatic trend of the first months of 2018 was characterized by mild winter and a spring with average temperatures. On the contrary, summer was marked by rain and bad weather. Precipitation was more abundant and particularly concentrated in June, the wettest month of the last thirty years, according to regional averages. Despite the rains in early summer, the vineyards of Etna have benefited from favorable climatic conditions, preserving the grapes in the most delicate passages of the fruit development and maturation .
LE SABBIE DELL'ETNA ROSATO
Awards
2020
International Wine Report: 92 pts
2019
WinesCritic: 91 pts
2018
James suckling: 91 pts
Falstaff: 88 pts
2018
Falstaff: 88 punti
Paired with
Amberjack Tataki with Sicilian citrus fruits and tuna with wild fennel served with vegetable taboulet and almond pesto
Clean the aubergine and cut it into small pieces. Do the same thing with the pepper and the courgette. Put the vegetables in a colander keeping them separate from each other and salt them. Skip the vegetables separately.
