Etna Rosso DOC 2018 Monteleone

What type of wine is it

Monteleone Etna Rosso is a red wine made mainly from Nerello Mascalese, with a small amount of Nerello Cappuccio, both grown on the slopes of Etna. It stands out for its balanced structure and fine tannic texture, alongside natural freshness and medium body. Vinification takes place in conical stainless steel vats at controlled temperature, followed by maturation in tonneaux and in steel tanks, which define a clean and authentic profile true to its terroir.

Where does it come from

This wine is produced on the slopes of Etna in Sicily, with Monteleone's vineyards situated at around 500 meters near the Alcantara river.

How is it made

The grapes are destemmed immediately. Fermentation takes place in conical stainless steel vats at about 23 °C, with skin maceration lasting 10–12 days and daily punchdowns to extract color and tannins. The wine matures for 12 months in a blend of tonneaux and steel, then for another six months in bottle, allowing for evolution and stability before release.

Tasting notes

Brilliant ruby red with garnet highlights. The nose is marked by red and black fruits such as currant and wild strawberry, with accents of black pepper and tobacco. On the palate it displays harmonious structure, silky tannins, and a fresh, savory finish, with balance and good persistence.

Food pairings

The structure and freshness of this Etna Rosso makes it an ideal match for roasted and stewed meats such as braised beef or oven-roasted leg of lamb. It also works well with semi-aged and aged cheeses with bold flavors. A local gastronomic suggestion, based on its aromatic profile, is pairing with pasta alla Norma with fried eggplant, tomato, and salted ricotta.

When to serve

Serve in large stem glasses to enhance the aromas. It is ready after a few months but can evolve with some years of aging, offering greater aromatic complexity. Suitable for cellar aging, it retains its qualities in stable conditions.