Etna Rosso 'Qubba' Monteleone 2020

The Etna Rosso 'Qubba' from Monteleone winery presents itself as a structured and elegant expression of Etna red wines. In particular, the grapes destined for this label come from the northern slope of the volcano, precisely from the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, a territory considered among the most suitable in the entire area for Nerello Mascalese.

Monteleone 'Qubba' Etna Rosso is produced through a blend of Nerello Mascalese (90%) and Nerello Cappuccio (10%) grapes, grown in a single vineyard near the Alcantara River. Here, the soils are formed by volcanic sands and ashes, interspersed with small percentages of calcareous clay, while the altitude is 500 meters above sea level. The vineyard, which is 85 years old, is then cultivated with the traditional Etna bush-trained system, consisting of a bush vine supported by a chestnut wood pole. Harvesting is done by hand in crates in the early morning hours and is followed by destemming and subsequent alcoholic fermentation in small vats, without temperature control. Maceration on the skins lasts for about 12 days, and malolactic fermentation is also fully carried out. The aging period takes place in French oak tonneaux of 500 and 700 liters, containers in which the wine rests for 12 months before further aging for one year in the bottle.

The 'Qubba' Etna Rosso from Monteleone is garnet red with violet reflections. The delightful olfactory range opens up to fruity and floral aromas of violet and wild berries, soon joined by more complex hints of spices and balsamic and mineral undertones. The palate is elegant, rich, and enveloping, tempered by excellent freshness and soft tannins, as well as a light savoriness that guides the long and flavorful finish.