Monteleone Etna Rosso 2023

Monteleone Etna Rosso 2023 is a red wine from Italy, produced in the Sicily region and the Etna D.O.C. appellation. The winery is a small, family run estate located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Founded in 2017 by Giulia Monteleone and her partner Benedetto Alessandro, the estate's philosophy is centred on personally overseeing all stages of grape processing to ensure the wines reflect the unique volcanic terroir and energy of Etna. The vineyards are located at approximately 500 metres above sea level and benefit from a volcanic sandy soil enriched by the nearby Alcantara River.

Wine Description

The wine has a brilliant ruby hue. The aromatic profile is a ripe, fruity style with scents of pine, Mediterranean herbs, ripe cherries, and pomegranate. Further notes include ripe red fruit, subtle smokiness, spice, dried thyme, and a clean, subtle earthy smoked touch.

The varietal composition is almost exclusively Nerello Mascalese, with a small addition of Nerello Cappuccio. It is a light to medium bodied wine. The palate offers supple, juicy fruit and smooth tannins. It has chewy acidity, quite biting tannins, and an austere finish. Flavours include elegant cranberry and pomegranate interwoven with earthy herbs and crushed stone. The wine matures for 18 months in a combination of 10% new and 90% used French oak tonneaux (large barrels), followed by six months of bottle refinement. Stylistically, it is a refined Etna Rosso, embodying Sicily's unique high altitude terroir. The finish is fresh with a hint of saltiness. The ABV is 13.5%. It is recommended to drink now. The vineyards are certified organic, a reflection of Monteleone's deep respect for the land.

Accolades

• James Suckling - 92 points

Food Pairing

This wine is well suited for roasted and stewed meats, semi aged and aged cheeses, and pork dishes with sage.

Vintage Quality

The 2023 vintage in Etna faced challenges, including a May 3rd hailstorm and the presence of mildew, which led to lower vine yields. However, the latest rains after the hot and dry summer slowed down the ripening process, enhancing the phenolic and aromatic components, which was decisive for quality. This wine is described as a high quality offering from a demanding year.