Etna Rosso DOC MONTELEONE

The Monteleone winery’s Etna Rosso DOC is a wine produced from a blend of Nerello Mascalese (90%) and Nerello Cappuccio (10%), sourced from a single vineyard situated on the northern slope of Mount Etna, in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, at an altitude of around 500 metres. The soils are of volcanic origin, composed mainly of sand and ash, with a small proportion of calcareous clay derived from the proximity of the River Alcantara, a factor that helps to impart greater structure and make the tannins softer and more elegant. Vinification follows a traditional approach that respects the grape variety. The grapes are harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and brought to the winery in small crates, then destemmed and transferred to steel tanks for fermentation. Maceration on the skins lasts approximately 10–12 days and is accompanied by daily punching down, aimed at achieving a balanced extraction of colour, tannins and aromatic compounds. After racking, malolactic fermentation takes place spontaneously, contributing to the stabilisation and harmonisation of the wine’s flavour profile. The ageing process is multi-stage and contributes significantly to the wine’s complexity. Part of the wine is aged in French oak tonneaux, whilst another part is aged in larger oak barrels; the wine is then left to rest in concrete tanks for around six months – a phase that promotes balance and stabilisation – before completing its maturation with a further six months of bottle ageing.

Characteristics of this Sicilian wine

From an organoleptic perspective, Etna Rosso Monteleone presents a bright ruby red colour. On the nose, it displays a complex profile, characterised by notes of ripe red fruits, cherry and small wild berries, accompanied by spicy nuances, aromatic herbs and subtle smoky and mineral notes typical of volcanic soils. On the palate, it is elegant and smooth, with a medium-bodied structure, fine, well-integrated tannins and a marked acidity that underpins the progression of flavours. The savoury and mineral notes emerge decisively in the finish, contributing to a long, lingering aftertaste that is consistent with the bouquet.

Recommended food pairings for this wine from Cantina Monteleone

Monteleone’s Etna Rosso DOC, thanks to its balanced structure, marked freshness and the fine tannic texture typical of Nerello Mascalese, lends itself to food pairings of medium intensity, where the wine’s elegance and complexity can complement the dish without overpowering it. It pairs particularly well with red meat main courses, especially grilled or roasted dishes, where the succulent and protein-rich nature of the meat helps to soften the perception of the tannins. It also pairs well with mature cheeses, thanks to the wine’s acidity and savouriness, which balance the cheese’s rich and lingering flavour. Its mineral and slightly spicy character also allows for interesting pairings with Mediterranean dishes and mushroom-based dishes, always maintaining a good balance of flavours. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18 °C.