2018 Tenuta Di Fessina Etna Rosso ‘Erse’

Producer: Tenuta di Fessina

Grape: 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio

Pronunciation: “ne-rel-lo mas-ca-lay-zee” and “ne-rel-lo cap-poo-cho”

Region: Santa Maria di Licodia, Sicily

Zone: DOC Etna Rosso

Producer Info: 

Tuscan wine producer Silvia Maestrelli, and Federico Curtaz bought Tenuta di Fessina on Etna’s northern slopes in 2007, part of the growing band of producers on this active volcano.  From just a decade ago numbers have increased almost tenfold to around 40 wineries, all of whom make less than 3% of Sicily’s total production.

Erse is named after the Greek goddess of dew as a fitting tribute to the time of day when this dew-kissed vineyard is the most picturesque. Erse is made from a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grown in the ancient volcanic soils on the hillsides of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The grapes are fermented and in stainless steel in order to deliver all the undiluted character and freshness of this unique terroir.

Tasting note:

Bright ruby-red in color, Erse entices the senses with aromas of crushed berries, plums, and smoky minerality. On the palate, it is a delicate, finely textured red which unfolds into a lengthy, elegant finish.

Growing System: Bush

Soil Composition: Volcanic sandy loam

Production: Fermentation and aging are carried out in stainless steel tanks

Alcohol (%): 13%