The Slopes of Mt. Etna,

Thursday, February 21st, 5:30 to 7:30

Sicily’s (the large island off the toe of Italy’s boot) most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. The soils needless to say are volcanic. This distinct landscape makes for very distinct wines, from the local varietals Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Frappato and Inzolia. Thursday we’ll taste the wines from these precarious slopes. Stop by after work and try them.
 
2009 Maurigi Bacca, Bianca $14
60% Inzolia, 20% Grecanico, 20% Chardonnay
The Maurigi Estate is located 2000 feet above sea level. The land on the estate is varied, with steep slopes, alluvial soils in some parts, bare rock in others. Microclimates abound, changing from segment to segment. The indigenous Inzolia adds flinty and nutty notes with citrus fruit. Grecanico is known for its tang and in fact has a reputation for maintaining acidity despite Sicily’s searing hot days. These grapes are produced on some of Maurigi’s highest vineyards whose cool nights lend acidity-preserving qualities of their own. Scented, the wine presents notes of white fruit, aniseed and citrus fruits. On the palate it appears juicy with an intense mineral note.
 
2009 Maurigi Bacca Rosso $14
60% Nero d’Avola, 20% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Maurigi’s Rosso has intense flower and fruit scents typical of red grapes with fine aromatic herb notes. Fine and elegant, it has a fresh and dynamic finish.
 
2011 Tenuta delle Terre, Terre Nere Etna Rosso $16
Norello Mascellese
Marc DeGrazia’s organically farmed estate on the slopes of Mount Etna has the highest-altitude red-grape vineyards in Europe. The soil at Terre Nere is mostly volcanic ash speckled by black pumice and peppered with abundant volcanic rock; to call it ‘rocky’ is putting it mildly. The weather variations in the area are profound and characterized by exposure, altitude, and open to the cooling and drying effects of the wind. The extraordinary elevation yields dramatic temperature variations between night and day. The wine has “Beautiful aromas of flowers and dried fruits with plums and strawberries. Full body, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Balanced and delicious.” 93pts. –James Suckling
 
2009 Girolamo Russo, San Lorenzo $40
98% Norello Mascellese, 2% Nerello Cappuccio
Girolamo Russo is a very small producer (only 1000 cases total production) with the vineyards at 2300 feet growing Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The wine and winery are heavily lauded. Russo was named wine maker of the year by Gambero Rosso and his single vineyard San Lorenzo received 3 bicchieri. Wine Enthusiast gave the wine 93pts: “Delicate and sophisticated, this has notes of wild berry, rosemary, crushed stone, tobacco and spice that are delivered with slow, beautiful intensity. The wine shows freshness, structure and staying power.”



Coming Soon!  Saturday we’ll be tasting the new releases from ANIMALE, with wine maker Matt Gubitosa.  Block out your calendar.

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