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2017 Etna Rosato “Super Luna”

Masseria del Pino
Discount Eligible $48.00
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You won’t encounter many rosés made like this one, literally born from the ashes high on the northern face of Mount Etna. Cesare Fulvio and Federica Turillo, proprietors of Masseria del Pino, produce a few barrels each year inside a reconditioned palmento—one of the ancient little farmhouses that dot Sicily’s rural landscape, where growers once brought their grapes to be pressed. Their method of making rosé, explained by Federica, much resembles what one might have encountered here hundreds of years ago:
         “We destem the grapes and leave them to macerate in wooden crates for about an hour—the time to eat lunch—and then press off the juice in our basket press. The must goes into tonneaux and fermentation begins naturally.”
         Owing to the heat wave that swept through Sicily in the summer of 2017, the wild yeasts were unable to finish the job, leaving a delightful tinge of sweetness in the wine. Recalling a pulp of fresh pomegranate and stone, this atypical rosé is perfect for dishes featuring assertive spice, garlic, cured olives, or briny anchovy.

Anthony Lynch


Technical Information
Wine Type: Rosé
Vintage: 2017
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: 90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Nerello Cappuccio
Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Producer: Masseria del Pino
Vineyard: 1.7 ha total, 120 years old
Soil: Volcanic
Farming: Biodynamic (practicing)
Alcohol: 14.5%

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About The Region

Sicily

map of Sicily

Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.

While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.

Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.

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Terroirs

Great winemakers, great terroirs, there is never any hurry. And I no longer buy into this idea of “peak” maturity. Great winemakers, great terroirs, their wines offer different pleasures at different ages.

Inspiring Thirst, page 312