2017 Murgo Etna Rosso, Sicily Italy

This spicy red is the estate’s “cornerstone” wine, and Nerello Mascalese is one of Italia’s most distinctive grapes. Red roses, violets, red berries; tangy, fresh and smooth. Aromas of red roses, violets, red berries; tangy, fresh and smooth; flavors of red plums, cola, baking spices. PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled red meats; fresh pasta with ragu. BLEND: 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% Nerello Mantellato VINEYARDS: Terraced, estate-owned vineyards on the eastern volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, near the town of Santa Venerina, at 1,600 to 2,000 feet above sea level. AGE OF VINES: 30 to 40 years WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested. Destemmed and lightly crushed; fermented on selected yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aged in tank for one year.