De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli

In the glass, De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli displays a deep, clear red with sparkling reflections reminiscent of ripe pomegranate seeds. From the very first swirl, the wine unfolds a multi-layered aromatic world. At its core stand notes of clove, evoking an elegant spice box. They are joined by red berries, from juicy raspberry to ripe redcurrant, as well as the distinctive scent of fresh sour cherry. These aromas come across as precise, inviting, and at the same time elegant. On the palate, De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli is dry, with clear structure and subtle drive. The acidity is taut and fresh, carries the fruit, and gives the wine momentum. The tannins are silky, well-integrated, and provide grip without becoming dominant. The result is an impressive interplay of power, finesse, and length that turns every sip into an intense experience.

The clove note reveals itself in this red wine in many nuances. At times it recalls delicate Christmas pastries, at others freshly crushed cloves in an aromatic broth. This spiciness captures the wild, mineral character of the volcanic region and fuses it with the red fruit. The red berries bring lightness and an almost playful side to the glass. They are reminiscent of forest fruit jam, freshly crushed raspberries, and the scent of a basket full of ripe strawberries. The sour cherry adds tension, bringing bite, juiciness, and a clear core that lends the wine structure. On the palate, these impressions lead to a dry, finely spiced flavor that unfolds layer by layer and lingers for a long time.

The impression on the palate can be clearly divided into distinct phases that become apparent during mindful tasting:

1. Fruity attack with sour cherry, redcurrant, and a hint of raspberry.
2. Spicy mid-palate with clove, a touch of pepper, and a hint of dried herbs.
3. Taut, fresh acidity that carries the wine and keeps it vibrant.
4. Fine-grained tannins that provide structure without scratching.
5. Long finish with notes of cherry, a hint of smoke, and a touch of fine dark chocolate.

Through this progression, the full depth of De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli reveals itself. The precise fruit, the clear, dry style, and the clove spice make it a red wine with character and a refined impression. Every sip invites you to discover new nuances, from the cool cherry note to the subtle spice that recalls an evening by the fireplace with good food. At the core of the wine, you also sense a distinct yet never intrusive minerality, reminiscent of volcanic rock and damp earth after a summer rain. All of this makes this wine an ideal companion for those who appreciate red wines with clarity, depth, and a fresh character.

Vinification of De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC by Marchese Fumanelli

The grapes for De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli come from selected sites on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The vines are rooted in volcanic soils with a high proportion of stones, which store warmth and release it slowly. This allows the berries to ripen for a long time and evenly. The climate is characterized by warm days and cool nights, which preserves the freshness of the fruit and enhances aromatic depth. The winegrowers consistently focus on yield reduction in order to increase the concentration of the berries.

The harvest is preferably done by hand, mostly in the early morning hours. This keeps the grapes cool, and they are gently placed in small crates. A first selection already takes place in the vineyard to ensure that only ripe grapes make it to the cellar. At the winery, a second strict sorting follows on the sorting table. Only the best berries for the cuvée go into the fermentation tank. The goal is to preserve the clear fruit and the typical spiciness of the area.

Fermentation on the skins takes place under temperature control to ensure a slow, even conversion of sugar into alcohol. During this period, the cap is regularly and gently punched down or pumped over. In this way, color, tannin, and aromas are extracted gently. The fermentation temperature remains moderate so that the notes of clove, red berries, and sour cherry are preserved. After the alcoholic fermentation is complete, malolactic conversion usually follows. This step smooths the acidity and brings additional harmony to the wine.

De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli is matured in selected wooden barrels and partly in stainless steel tanks. The wood is used very deliberately to provide structure without overshadowing the fruit. In the barrels, the wine gains depth, refinement, and a subtle spiciness that elegantly complements the natural clove note. The time spent on the fine lees adds more texture and a subtly creamy feel on the palate. Before bottling, the cuvée rests again in tank so that all the components can come together and the red wine can show its clear, harmonious character.

After bottling, De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli undergoes a brief period of bottle maturation in the estate’s cellar. Only when fruit, spice, tannin, and acidity show a harmonious balance is the wine released for sale. This way, it reaches the glass in an optimal stage, with well-integrated structure, taut, fresh character, and aromatic depth.

Food pairing recommendations for De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC by Marchese Fumanelli

With its dry style, clear cherry fruit, and fine clove spice, De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli is a versatile partner in the kitchen. It shows best alongside dishes with light roasted aromas, ripe tomato, or Mediterranean herbs. Dishes with mushrooms and dark poultry also pair very well. The fresh acidity and elegant structure likewise make it a suitable companion for long evenings with refined cuisine and multiple courses.

• Classic Pasta alla Norma with tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and fresh basil.
• Homemade tagliatelle with beef or lamb ragù, slowly braised with rosemary and thyme.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest, served with ratatouille made from summer vegetables.
• Braised veal cheeks on creamy polenta, refined with Parmigiano and a hint of truffle oil.
• Pizza with air-dried ham, fresh mushrooms, and aged Italian hard cheese.
• Pan-seared duck breast with sour cherry jus and oven-roasted potatoes with sea salt and rosemary.
• Selection of aged hard cheeses, such as Pecorino and mature Parmesan, served with crusty country bread and cherry chutney.

A serving temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius is recommended. At this range, De Aetna Etna Rosso DOC - Marchese Fumanelli reveals its full depth, the fine clove spice, the clear sour cherry, and the juicy red berry fruit. A brief contact with air, for example through decanting, opens up the aromas and makes the red wine even more approachable and multi-faceted.

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