Etna Rosso QUBBA DOC MONTELEONE

The Monteleone winery’s Etna Rosso DOC “Qubba” is a red wine produced on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, in the Castiglione di Sicilia area, at an altitude of around 500 metres, from historic vineyards trained using the alberello method. It is made primarily from Nerello Mascalese with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio, native grape varieties that thrive on these sandy volcanic soils, rich in mineral matter and with a component of calcareous clay derived from the proximity of the River Alcantara – ideal conditions for expressing finesse, minerality and structural balance. Vinification follows a traditional approach that respects the raw material. 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 for around 10–12 days with daily punching down, in order to achieve a balanced extraction of colour, tannins and aromatic compounds. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in wood, contributing to the stabilisation and harmonisation of the flavour profile. The ageing process is complex and plays a decisive role in the wine’s complexity. Qubba matures for around 12 months in French oak tonneaux and oak barrels, before continuing its development in concrete tanks for a further six months and completing its journey with approximately six months of bottle ageing prior to release.

Characteristics of this Sicilian wine

On the nose, the wine displays a bright ruby red colour. It offers a rich and complex bouquet, with notes of ripe red berries such as redcurrants and blackberries, accompanied by hints of Mediterranean scrub, balsamic undertones and subtle spicy notes. On the palate, it is enveloping and elegant, with good body, fine, well-integrated tannins and a fresh acidity that supports the progression of flavours. The mineral component, typical of volcanic soils, emerges clearly and contributes to a long, harmonious finish.

Recommended pairings for this wine from Cantina Monteleone

The Etna Rosso DOC “Qubba” stands out for its more substantial structure and greater concentration compared to the standard Etna Rosso, whilst retaining the elegance, freshness and refined tannins typical of Nerello Mascalese. This combination makes it particularly well-suited to pairing with medium-to-full-bodied dishes, where the tannic component and good acidity can be balanced by rich, structured dishes. It is at its best with red meats, particularly in stews or braised dishes, where the succulence of the dish complements the wine’s tannic texture, but also with hearty pasta dishes featuring ragù or structured sauces. Its aromatic complexity and mineral notes also allow for harmonious pairings with flavourful Mediterranean dishes, always maintaining a balance between intensity of flavour and finesse. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18 °C.