Barone di Villagrande Etna Rosso 2018

Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving.

Etna is known for its uniquely wild and inspiring wines made from unusual grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. This red is the handiwork of iconic local producer Barone di Villagrande which has been run by the Nicolosis for generations. The family have been farming here to the east of Mount Etna since the 17th century and inherited their lofty title in 1727 when Don Carmelo Nicolosi was made Baron of Villagrande by Emperor Charles VI of Augsburg.

Over the years the Nicolosi family have played a key role in the region, helping Etna to achieve their DOC status as a wine region in 1968. The property is now in the hands of Marco who is passionate about showing the world his exquisite wines produced from Etna’s magnificent volcanic soils.

This classic Etna Rosso is primarily composed of Nerello Mascalese along with some Nerello Cappuccio sourced from Milo and Castiglione di Sicilia. Etna is the region where the warmth of southern Italy meets the mists and abundant rains, producing wines with plenty of mouthwatering freshness balanced by bright red cherry fruit and herbal notes. This wine is aged in chestnut barrels for one year, adding a smooth texture and refining the tannins. The result is a perfect gastronomic wine that pairs effortlessly with Italian classics like beef tartare, tuna tagliata, and even a delicious plate of fresh pasta with a tomato-based sauce.