MUSMECI, ETNA ROSSO DOC 2024

The wine is drawn from the historic Contrada Rovittello, in the frazione of the same name within Castiglione di Sicilia, on the north-eastern slope of Mount Etna. The vines sit at around 700 metres above sea level, rooted in deep, mineral-rich volcanic soil with a high basalt content. This is the cru dedicated to Cav. Santi Musmeci, the former owner of the parcel, whose family’s stewardship preserved these old, ungrafted Nerello Mascalese vines — some over 120 years old and pre-dating the phylloxera epidemic that devastated European viticulture at the turn of the twentieth century. Light, transparent ruby in the glass, with garnet reflections at the rim. The nose is layered and evolving: wild cherry and redcurrant give way to violets, dried herbs, leather and a whisper of tobacco, with a flinty, smoky volcanic thread running beneath. On the palate the wine is taut and energetic, built on crisp acidity and fine, sandy tannins rather than weight — succulent red fruit, ground spice and a saline, mineral pulse carry through to a long, structured finish touched with blood orange and crushed stone.