# by Neri Etna Rosso (2023)

- **Producer:** Azienda Agricola Neri
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nerello Mascalese
- **Region:** Sicilia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, plum, strawberry, herbaceous

## About this wine

The history of Azienda Agricola Neri began over a century ago when Cavaliere Vincenzo Neri returned to Linguaglossa from the United States and purchased land along the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Today, the fourth generation of the Neri family manages the 9-hectare estate, which encompasses vineyards, olive groves, and a luxury resort. Located at 650 to 700 meters elevation on dark lavic sands, the estate focuses on unadulterated terroir expressions of native Etna grape varieties.

## Interesting facts

- Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna at altitudes up to 700 meters above sea level.
- Aged completely without oak contact in stainless steel to showcase pristine volcanic minerality.
- Crafted under the supervision of acclaimed Sicilian consulting winemaker Calogero Statella.

## Food pairing

The high altitude and volcanic soil of Mount Etna impart vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins to Nerello Mascalese. These structural elements slice effortlessly through rich meats like pork ragù and lamb, while cutting through the creaminess of savory mushroom risotto and aged sheep cheeses.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested in small crates from late September to October, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 22°C with selected yeasts. Skin contact lasts 8 to 10 days, followed by 7 days of primary alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged for 5 months entirely in stainless steel vessels without any oak contact to preserve its primary volcanic character, followed by brief refinement in the bottle prior to release.