Medium ruby color; cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, redcurrant, spice, chocolate, minerality, white pepper on the nose and palate.
Dry; relaxed tannins and acidity. Smooth with some complexity. Medium body. Nerello mascalese sometimes is called the Sicilian pinot noir, and there are many similarities. The grape grows almost exclusively on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in northeast Sicily, which gives it its distinctive minerality. The grapes were hand-harvested, then destemmed. Fermented seven days on the skins in stainless steel. Soft pressed. Aged 18 months in stainless steel. 12.5% ABV
Di Giovanna is a family-owned winery, one of the oldest in Sicily, located in Sambuca di Sicilia in the provence of Agrigento. The family owns five vineyards where it grows wine vines, olive trees, and has forests and wheat fields. The nerello mascalese grapes come from historic and largest family vineyard Paradiso in Contessa Entellina. The grapes are grown using organic methods and the winemaking uses organic methods. The vineyard and winery have been certified organic since 1997. Vegan friendly. Brothers Gunther and Klaus Di Giovanna manage the operation today.
Di Giovanna Vurría Nerello Mascalese DOC 2021 bright, fruity, tasty expression of “Sicily’s pinot noir.” Bit more bite and tannins than PN, but similar in weight and food friendly construction. Reflects the minerality of the volcanic soil. Made by long-time certified organic operation now into its fifth generation of grape growing and winemaking. Pair with hearty beef dishes; pasta dishes, especially with tomato sauces; Sicilian pasta dishes featuring tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and herbs; lamb. Cheese—ricotta, feta, mozzarella, fontina, havarti, gruyère, provolone, pecorino romano, aged manchego, garrotxa. $17-22
