Etna Wines – A Unique Wine Region Like No Other
Are you familiar with Etna wines? Norex sommelier and Key Account Manager Jan-Martin Rossi explains what Etna DOC is and what kinds of wines it produces. What can you expect from Etna DOC, and what opportunities or challenges does the region present for wine production?
Etna wines are a diverse spectrum
The spectrum of Etna wines is extremely broad and fascinating, as this is one of Europe’s highest mountain regions, and Mount Etna itself is the highest active volcano. Etna wines also had the honor of being among Sicily’s first to reach the DOC level of the Italian quality pyramid.
The region produces mainly red wines, but also sparkling wines, white wines, and rosé. Etna has playfully been called the Burgundy of the Mediterranean. Etna wines offer a harmonious balance of elegance, harmony, good fruitiness, and energy.
Etna is an active volcano, so the area has plenty of ash and lava rock. Rainfall and winds are harsh, and the altitude differences across Sicily’s vineyards are significant. It’s said that the temperature drops by three and a half degrees for every thousand steps climbed. This naturally affects how optimally the wine grapes ripen during the harvest season.
From this distinctive volcanic region’s wines, you can expect great character and exceptionally high quality, whether we’re talking about red wines, white wines, rosé, or sparkling. Etna wines should be approached with an open mind and confidence. Try them yourself and see if the region’s wines live up to their cult reputation!
Tradition and cutting-edge expertise in the same bottle
Vivera Etna Rosso
Vivera Etna Rosso is a certified organic wine made from 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes. They grew in volcanic soil, among rounded stones. The grapes were hand-picked during the first week of October, and fermentation took place in refrigerated steel tanks at 28°C. The wine matured on fine lees in steel tanks for one year, and after bottling, it rested for another two months.
The volcanic terroir leaves a clear mark on this wine, in its acid structure and smoky salinity. The cellar master compares this wine to meeting a friend: it always evokes warm feelings and brings joy.
Vivera Etna Rosso is the perfect pasta wine and also excellent with risottos. Its flavor pairings also include buffalo mozzarella, air-dried hams, salamis and other cold cuts, Neapolitan pizza, sun-dried tomatoes, quality olive oil, and fresh herbs.
In flavor, Vivera Etna Rosso is medium-bodied, silky-tannic, vibrantly acidic, supple, redcurrant-like, and volcanically mineral. It has lingering tannins, acids, smokiness, and salinity. This wine is distinctive and high-quality.
Discover Vivera Etna Rosso here.
Also try: Vivera Terra dei Soigni Bio. The wine comes from the same Etna producer but does not fall under the DOC classification due to the grape varieties used.
