The Nerello Mascalese that is used for this wine comes off vines with an average age of 100 years. They are trained free-standing (i.e. bush vines) across a small area less than three hectares in size at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level near Passopisciaro on the northern slopes of Mt Etna, where the deep and mixed volcanic soils with prevalence of ash are noted for producing grapes with delicate structure and pronounced minerality. After a manual harvest, the grapes are destemmed and macerated at 28°C for nearly three weeks. After gentle pressing, malolactic fermentation and maturation takes place in large-format barrels.
2017
“Here is another worthy expression from one of the most interesting vineyards (or “contrade”) on the Sicilian volcano. The Alta Mora 2017 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo has more plum and dark fruit than is typical of this dry vintage, but those volcanic and campfire-like aromas are never far. This vintages shows an unusual focus on primary fruit that you don’t always get with old-vine Nerello Mascalese. The wine delivers spicy tannins over a rigid, mineral-driven mouthfeel.” 93 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
92 points, Vinous
93 points, James Suckling
94 points, Guida Essenziale ai Vini d’Italia 2023 by Daniele Cernilli
91 points, I Vini di Veronelli 2022
Finale 3 Bicchieri 2022, Gambero Rosso
4 Stelle, Guida Vinibuoni d’Italia 2022
