Etna Rosso DOC “Lu Veru Piaciri” 2017 – Al-Cantàra

The grapes to produce Etna Rosso DOC “Lu Veru Piaciri” Al-Cantàra were carefully selected at harvest and only ripe, healthy fruit was vinified. Fermentation took place on the skins lasting for 10 to 12 days at controlled temperatures of 25°C. Post fermentation maceration lasted for five days extracting colour, flavour and structure, before the wine was pressed off the skins. 50% of Etna Rosso DOC “Lu Veru Piaciri” Al-Cantàra was aged in stainless steel for two years; 50% spent one year in barriques and tonneaux, followed by a further year in stainless steel. The wine received a further 12 months bottle ageing prior to release.

The vineyard is situated at an elevation of approximately 620 metres above sea level, where warm days and cool nights encourage a long ripening period concentrating the flavours in the grapes while retaining balancing acidity. The vines are grown in volcanic soils, which are rich in minerals and fossils. The soil is permeable to air and water and is rich in pumice stone and microelements, which allow the plants to produce a complex aromatic profile. The espalier-trained vines are spur pruned. The 10 year old vineyard is cultivated following organic and biodynamic principles and is in conversion to organic status. The organic treatments of sulphur and copper treatments are only used when powdery or downy mildew seriously affect the vineyard. The vine moth is combatted by the use of natural pheromones, which generates confusion in the moth and prevents it from attacking the fruit.