Al-Cantara Lu Veru Piaciri Etna Sicily 2022

Al-Cantara Lu Veru Piaciri Etna Sicily 2022 Wine Description

Overview
Al-Cantara Lu Veru Piaciri Etna Sicily 2022 is a captivating red wine that showcases the true essence of Sicily’s iconic volcanic soils. Crafted from 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Mount Etna, one of the most active and fertile wine regions in the world. The wine boasts a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and herbal complexity, offering a delightful experience from the first sip to the last.

Grape Variety
100% Nerello Mascalese, a noble grape variety native to the slopes of Mount Etna, is known for its elegant structure, vibrant acidity, and distinctive mineral character. It thrives in the region’s volcanic soils, which impart complexity and depth to the wine.

Tasting Notes
On the nose, Al-Cantara Lu Veru Piaciri Etna 2022 offers an inviting bouquet of ripe red fruits, including cherries and raspberries, balanced by delicate notes of cinnamon, wild herbs, and a subtle smokiness. The palate is medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavours of red berries are complemented by hints of spice and earthy undertones, resulting in a refined and harmonious finish.

Winemaking Process
The winemaker, Salvo Rizzuto, is meticulous in selecting only the best fruit at harvest. The grapes are handpicked to ensure ripeness and quality. Fermentation takes place on the skins for 10 to 12 days at controlled temperatures of 25°C, which allows for optimal extraction of colour, flavour, and tannin structure. A post-fermentation maceration of five days further enhances the wine’s complexity.

To develop additional layers of flavour, 50% of the wine is aged in stainless steel for two years, while the remaining 50% is aged in a combination of barriques and tonneaux for one year before being transferred back to stainless steel for a further year. The wine undergoes 12 months of bottle ageing, allowing it to develop a refined, elegant profile before release.