Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso
The terroir of Mount Etna, Sicily is like no other — high altitude combined with mineral-rich volcanic soils provide an exceptional environment for growing grapes. Small farmers or contadini have tended vines on Etna’s steep, windy slopes for generations.
This wine is a blend of Nerello Mascalese 94% & Nerello Cappuccio 6%. Both are often grow near each other on the slopes of Mount Etna. These grapes make up quality reds of Etna. A pale ruby color, medium /high sandy tannins, medium/high acidity, lots of sweet red fruit (ripe strawberry and sour cherry), minerality/smoke, dried herbs, leather. The blend of these two varietals have often been compared to a Burgundian style wine - savory and earthy plus add in the sour cherry and roses.
Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Russo was founded in 2005 by Girolamo, following the death of his father (and named in his memory). Let me back track a second - Girolamo’s passion wasn’t winemaking from the start. His passion was music. He trained as a classical pianist. When his father passed away in 2004 he returned home to manage the family’s estate. But the estate would grow grapes and sell them to others to make wine. Girolamo had other ideas in mind. He decided to turn his passion into winemaking. Music and wine go hand in hand - they are both a passion, they are life. The estate is located in Passopisciaro, on the north side of Mount Etna. This village is one of many responsible for the rebirth of Etna’s most important grape variety, Nerello Mascalese. The vineyards benefit from high altitudes of 650 and 780 metres, rich volcanic mineral soil and 80 year old plus bush vines. The 15 hectares are organically farmed. The parcels of indigenous varieties such as Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante are vinified seperately in order to retain each identity and character. The wines are made with care and attention, ready for immediate pleasure. Pure, stunning representations of volcanic terroir.
Girolomo Russo “a’ Rina” Etna Rosso, 2018
Fun Fact: A’ Rina means sand in local dialect
Jeweled pale ruby color. The wine is full dancing aromatics of red fruit (cherry, strawberry, red currant), violet, tobacco leaf, blood orange, ash, minerals, vanilla.
Zesty acidity, fine grain tannins, medium alcohol 13.5% with flavors that mark a distinct sense of place - sour cherry, strawberry, red currant, red plum, blueberry, violet, tobacco leaf, blood orange, ash, minerals, vanilla, pepper with a velvety smooth lingering finish. It’s delicate, silky and aromatic.
I paired it with tuna meatballs (amazing) with fresh tomato sauce and a Sicilian Fish stew. You could also try savory bacon wrapped grilled sardines, grilled swordfish with tomatoes and capers or smoky pork ribs. Enjoy!
