Etna IDDA red 2021

Located on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily, the IDDA vineyard extends around the villages of Biancavilla and Belpasso, at high altitudes that promote significant temperature variations. The vines are planted on volcanic soils from fragmented lava flows, rich in basaltic sand and ash, offering remarkable natural drainage. This unique terroir, mainly exposed to the south and southwest, benefits from generous sunshine and regular winds, allowing for slow and complete ripening of the grapes while preserving freshness and tension.

Made from Nerello Mascalese vines located on the slopes of Etna, this wine is produced from careful manual harvests. After delicate destemming, alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with skin maceration to delicately extract color and tannins. Malolactic fermentation then occurs in tanks. Aging continues in large oak casks and barrels to refine the structure and preserve the purity of the fruit, before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red fruits, ripe black fruits, and dried flowers, enhanced by hints of sweet spices and a subtle mineral volcanic imprint. The palate presents a silky texture, supported by a lively acidity that lengthens the tasting, while the fine tannins structure the whole without harshness. The finish is saline, persistent, and elegant, leaving an impression of freshness and balance that invites you back for another sip.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!