Girolamo Russo : Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2017

The freshness and complexity of a red wine from Sicily, the reflection of a great terroir

The estate

In 2005, Giuseppe Russo honoured the memory of his father, Girolamo, by taking over the family estate and working to restore the glory of Girolamo Russo’s name. Driven by the desire to respect and perpetuate his family’s traditions, all while reinterpreting them through his own ideas and talent, this passionate owner is developing new approaches to winemaking on his homeland. To preserve this previous terroir, Giuseppe Russo and his team cultivate their vineyard through organic farming. It is thus that the Girolamo Russo estate reveals wines from the Etna Rosso appellation, reflections of their terroir which evoke the unique character of each plot at the estate.

The vineyard

The 2017 Etna Rosso ’a Rina is made from a selection of the best grapes from the estate’s 19 hectares of vines. Nestled between 650 and 800 metres above sea level in Sicily, the famous Italian island, the 20- to 100-year-old vineyard is rooted in a volcanic soil affected by sand and rich in minerals. The vines are located on the northern slope of Mount Etna.

Winemaking and ageing

After the manual harvests, which take place during the second half of October, the best berries are taken to the cellar to begin a bespoke winemaking process. Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tanks and small open tanks at a temperature which varies between 28 and 30 degrees. The process lasts for 10 days, with the use of native yeasts. Maceration with contact with the grapeskins lasts for 10 days. Then, in spring, malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. Afterwards, the wine ages for 12 months in Slovenian oak barrels and concrete vats. Finally, the wine finishes developing all of its character after ageing in bottle for a minimum for 6 months.

Blend

Nerello Mascalese (90%) and Nerello Cappuccio (10%).

Tasting

Colour

The 2017 Etna Rosso ’a Rina is a beautiful ruby red colour.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet expresses the elegance and complexity of this wine through aromas of cherry and plum, underlined by notes of leather and tobacco.

Palate

The 2017 Etna Rosso ’a Rina is a fresh and complex wine. Its gentle and silky tannins offer an excellent structure. Its fine and beautifully long finish extends the period of enjoyment of this sophisticated cuvée.