Description
Girolamo Russo is an iconic Etna producer, founded in 2005 by Giuseppe Russo in memory of his late father. The family are native of Passopisciaro, one of the key villages at the heart of the rebirth of Etna’s most important indigenous grape variety, Nerello Mascalese. This is the north face of Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, in the north-east of Sicily.
The Russos have 26 hectares of land in and around Passopisciaro, with 15 hectares of vineyards surrounded by olive and hazelnut groves. The vineyards are high up, between 650 and 780 metres above sea level, inland from the beautiful town of Taormina. Many of the free-standing bush vines are over 80 years old, surviving in harmony with Etna’s black, mineral-rich volcanic soil. Giuseppe works the vineyards organically and makes the wines himself. He vinifies each parcel separately, seeking out their individual identities in a series of wines that reflect the diverse character of their terroirs.
100% estate grown fruit (Nerello Mascalese 94%, Nerello Cappuccio 6%) from 3 ‘contradas’ or vines San Lorenzo ( the highest vineyard not far from town Randazzo), Feudo and Calderara Sottana. The 3 sites add nuances of flavour and complexity. Pedigree of fruit only going into these fine wines.13.5% Alc
This 2021 release Nerello Mascalese looks the business. Juicy, high toned red fruits, some black cherry, hint of dried herbs, lovely depth of fruit with supple, velvety tannins and more-ish minerality … no doubt about it this extraordinary grape, indigenous to Sicily’s Mt Etna reminds me of Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo with a touch of savoury minerality thanks to the volcanic soils. This rosso is a delight!
94 points, James Suckling “Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil character. Medium body, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very pretty now but even better in three or four years. Drink or hold.”
93 points, Monica Larner for Robert Parkers Wine Advocate “This is the entry-level red from Girolamo Russo. Made with Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio blended from various vineyard sites, the 2021 Etna Rosso ‘a Rina offers terrific value with wild berry, blue flower and crushed stone over an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance.”
RRP $70 Our Price $62.99
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