Perched on the north-east side of Mt Etna, the climate, volcanic soil and special indigenous grape allow production of extraordinary wines.
The Russo family’s winemaking tradition began two centuries ago in the area of Solicchiata, Municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.
There is a connection between the burning lava, bubbling in the heart of the volcano and the wine made from grapes that are enriched from soil of the same lava rock.
Cantina Eno Trio, Riserva Etna Rosso (2012). Sicilian Red Wine, Nerello Mascalese, Etna DOC Rosso.
Order: VIN-ETRIS12RL
Cantina Eno Trio, Carricante Iddu (2016). Sicilian White Wine, IG Terre Siciliane Bianco.
Order: VIN-ETIDD16W
Cantine Russo Vini dell’ Etna DOP Luce di Lava - Rosso (2013). Nerello Mascalese 80%, Nerello Cappuccio 20%.
Order: VIN-CRLUC13R
Cantine Russo Vini dell’ Etna DOP Luce di Lava - Bianco (2016). Carricante 70%, Cataratto 30%.
Order: VIN-CRLUC16W
Cantine Russo Vini dell’ Etna DOP Mon Pit Brut Moscato (2015). Sicilian Sparkling Wine, Classic Method VSQ.
Order: VIN-CRMPB15MOS
Nerello Mascalese hits your mouth with an explosion of red fruit flavors that leads into spice notes of cinnamon and floral dried desert herbs.
Finer examples of Nerello Mascalese from Etna in Sicily finish long with tingly acidity, a rustic black volcanic earthy note, and medium weight fine-grained tannins. With the elegance of Pinot Noir and the explosive exuberance of Zinfandel, Nerello Mascalese is delightfully easy to drink.
Tasting Notes from WineFolly.com – Amazing Red - Nerello Mascalese
Luce di Lava or ‘Light of Lava’ is a red wine created from a blend of NERELLO MASCALESE and NERELLO CAPUCCIO grapes that are indigenous to the Italian island of Sicily. These grapes are special because they’re grown in the mountainous regions surrounding one of the world’s most active volcanoes, MT ETNA. In fact, they have been grown here for the past 8,000 years and are found only in Sicily.
This volcanic influence is important, for it is the minerals present in the volcanic ash that falls on and around the Nerello and Capuccio vines which makes their fruit unlike anything available elsewhere on Earth. The dark, thick-skinned grapes contain a large amount of a specific kind of polyphenol called resveratrol.
Researchers have discovered that resveratrol decreases inflammation and stimulates the body to use its own antioxidant defences. It also signals the arteries to expand, easing blood flow. Resveratrol works as a potent antioxidant and may help promote a normal immune response in your body. This protects your DNA from damage by free-radicals, keeping you looking & feeling young.