Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante DOC

Located just outside the town of Castiglione di Sicilia, the Contrada Rampante cru is a semi-amphitheater, measuring 1.5 hectares/3.7 acres, featuring an ancient variety native to Etna, Nerello Mascalese. The vineyard is surrounded by olive trees, which provide some shelter from unpleasant weather conditions. It also benefits from stimulating day/night temperature swings, which favor slow ripening and crisp, complex aromas and structure. The soil is also full of iron and manganese. The result is a classic Etna interpretation; a powerful, muscular, juicy wine. A true expression of its terroir and a definite crowd-pleaser.
Wine exported to
Canada, USA, Singapore, Australia, Turks and Caicos
Most recent awards
- 2017 | Wine Advocate94
- 2019 | James Suckling90
- 2017 | Vinous93
- 2016 | Gambero Rosso3 Bicchieri
- 2016 | Wine Enthusiast89
- 2016 | Wine Spectator91
Grape Varieties:
100% Nerello Mascalese
Fermentation container:
Concrete tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
8 days
Type of yeast:
Cultivated
Fermentation temperature:
22-28 °C (71.6-82.4 °F)
Maceration technique:
traditional
Length of maceration:
18 days
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Aging containers:
Oak barrels
Container size:
700 Lt
Container age:
2-5 years old
Type of oak:
French, fine-grained, light toast
Bottling period:
June
Aging before bottling:
14 months
Aging in bottle:
3 months
Closure:
Natural Cork
Organic:
Yes
Vineyard name:
Contrada Rampante
Vineyard location:
Solicchiata, C.da Rampante, Mount Etna, Sicily
Vineyard size:
1.5 hectares (3.7 acres)
Soil composition:
Volcanic, stony, sandy loam
Vine training:
Alberello
Altitude:
850 meters (2,788 feet) above sea level
Vine density:
9000 plants per hectare
Yield:
25-30 q.li/Ha
Exposure:
Northern
Years planted:
1929, 1939
Age of vines:
pre-Phylloxera 80-90 years old
Time of harvest:
Mid-October
First vintage of this wine:
2014
Total yearly production (in bottles):
5,000 ¬
Tasting notes:
Deep character, complexity, red fruit and underbrush, a wonderful minerality and elegance.
Serving temperature:
Best served at 16-18 °C (60.8-64.4 °F).
Food pairings:
Pairs well with lamb and grilled steak.
Aging potential:
Up to 15 years
Alcohol:
Alc. Cont. by Vol.: 13.5%
Winemaker:
Michele e Mario Faro