Etna Rosso RUMEX DOC MONTELEONE

The Monteleone winery’s Etna Rosso DOC “Rumex” is a red wine made exclusively from Nerello Mascalese grapes, sourced from a small vineyard located in Contrada Pontale Palino, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, at an altitude of approximately 680 metres. The vineyard, consisting of vines over a century old, mostly ungrafted and trained using the traditional Etna bush method, represents a true natural “clos” surrounded by ancient volcanic scoria, an element that helps to create a unique microclimate and enhance the terroir’s distinctive character. The soils are of volcanic origin, deep and composed mainly of sand and ash, factors that give the wine a marked mineral character and a strong sense of place. Vinification follows an artisanal and minimally interventionist approach, aimed at preserving the authenticity of the grape variety and the terroir. The grapes are harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and transported to the winery in small 10-kg crates. After destemming, fermentation takes place in small vats without temperature control, encouraging spontaneous fermentation. Maceration on the skins lasts for around 10–12 days and is accompanied by daily manual punching down, in order to achieve a balanced extraction of colour, tannins and aromatic compounds. Malolactic fermentation then takes place naturally in oak tonneaux. The ageing process is lengthy and contributes significantly to the wine’s complexity: Rumex is aged for around 16 months in 300- and 500-litre French oak tonneaux, followed by a brief period in concrete vats and a further six months of bottle ageing before release. This process results in a structured yet elegant wine, in which the oak supports rather than overpowers the expressiveness of the Nerello Mascalese.

Characteristics of this Sicilian wine

From an organoleptic perspective, Rumex has a bright garnet-red colour. The bouquet is complex and layered, with notes of red berries, cherry and orange zest, accompanied by floral hints of macerated flowers and a pronounced balsamic and mineral character, typical of volcanic soils. On the palate, the wine is juicy, fresh and savoury, supported by good acidity and a fine, noble tannic structure that contributes to the overall balance. The finish is long and consistent, with a conclusion that echoes the mineral and spicy notes perceived on the nose.

Recommended food pairings for this wine from Cantina Monteleone

The Etna Rosso DOC “Rumex” is characterised by an elegant yet deep structure, underpinned by pronounced acidity, a distinct volcanic savouriness and a fine, noble tannic texture typical of the Nerello Mascalese grape. These characteristics make it particularly well-suited to pairing with dishes of good intensity, where the protein content and succulence balance the wine’s freshness and tannins. It is at its best with main courses featuring red meat, particularly roasts, grilled meats or more complex dishes such as braised meats, but it also pairs excellently with game, thanks to its ability to stand up to intense and persistent flavours. Its elegance and mineral character also allow for refined pairings with mushroom-based dishes or substantial meat dishes, always maintaining balance and finesse on the palate. As for serving temperature, the ideal range is between 16 and 18 °C.