Tenuta di Castellaro L'Ottava Isola Etna Rosso 2018

Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving.

Tenuta di Castellaro was founded on the Aeolian island of Lipari off the north coast of Sicily in 2013 by entrepreneur Massimo Lentsch. Massimo was already making wines in Dubrovnik and quickly recognised the island’s potential for making characterful wines from indingeous varieties that have grown here for centuries.

The winery also produces stunning wines on Sicily like this Etna Rosso which is crafted from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The grapes grow on rich volcanic and sandy soils on the northern slopes of Etna at 700 metres above sea level. The vines are farmed organically and the grapes fermented using wild yeasts with a very long maceration on the skins. The young wine is then aged in oak barrels for 12 months followed by a further 12 months in the bottle.

Sour red cherry, pomegranate, bitter herbs and licorice define the nose while there’s a full and well-rounded texture on the palate with ample bright red berry notes seasoned with woodsmoke and spice from the oak ageing. This characterful wine makes a great match for a wide variety of dishes, including herby roast lamb, tomato-based pasta dishes, charcuterie and mature cheeses.