Etna DOC Rosso Contrada Arrigo 2024 Neri

What kind of wine is it

Etna Rosso Contrada Arrigo di Neri is a red wine made from Nerello Mascalese grapes sourced from the Etna area and produced in Contrada Arrigo. The profile is refined and elegant, offering a balanced taste and a smooth tannic texture. The winemaking follows a traditional red process, with maceration for 8–10 days and manual punch-downs in open-top fermenters, while aging in second and third passage French oak barriques for 11 months provides complexity and smoothness without seeking marked effects.

Where does it come from

The grapes are harvested in Contrada Arrigo on Etna, in Sicily, from vineyards located at 700 meters above sea level. The soils, of volcanic origin and shallow, with low stone content, contribute to a clear expression of Nerello Mascalese. The vines, aged between 30 and 65 years, offer a regular character and measured structure, consistent with a style focused on precision rather than power.

How is it made

The harvested Nerello Mascalese is destined for a traditional red vinification. Alcoholic fermentation takes place with selected yeasts, to maintain recognizable varietal traits and ensure a controlled fermentation process. Extraction occurs in open fermenters with manual punch-downs, and the skin contact lasts 8–10 days. After fermentation, the wine ages for 11 months in second and third passage French oak barriques, supporting the texture without overwhelming it with oak character.

Tasting notes

To the eye, it displays a ruby red color. The bouquet is elegant and complex, with notes of small red berries and hints of cherry, all in a clean and orderly register. On the palate, it is enveloping and balanced, with a pleasant persistence that accompanies each sip; the tannins are soft and silky, well integrated in the finish.

Food pairings

At the table, it pairs well with raw meat appetizers such as tartare, and with first courses based on vegetables or meat, where its balance keeps everything precise. It also adapts to grilled meats, both white and red, and naturally complements medium-aged cheeses, thanks to its soft tannins and good gustatory continuity.

When to serve it

It is recommended when you want a red wine with an elegant and defined profile, suitable for lunches and dinners where the menu alternates tasty first courses, grilled dishes, and medium-aged cheeses. The smooth tannic texture and balanced persistence make it easy to serve even in informal settings, accompanying the meal with continuity. Aging in second and third passage barriques contributes to the complexity while preserving a regular and coherent drinking experience.