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
Tenuta di 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
Vintage 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 .
La ricetta
Spaghetti with Bottarga (salted tuna fish roe)
Place a large saucepan filled with water for cooking the spaghetti on the hob. In the meantime add the oil to a non-stick frying pan with the peeled garlic clove. Brown the garlic over a low flame and then remove it.
