Etna Rosso 'Profumo di Vulcano' Fedegraziani 2022
ArtisanalThe Etna Rosso "Scent of Volcano" by Fedegraziani is a true gem, a wine that demonstrates why the Sicilian volcano is one of the most fascinating areas of modern enology. The Giardino vineyard, from which the grapes for this wine are harvested, is home to ancient vines, over 100 years old on average. As intriguing as the story is, so is the aromatic profile: citrus, Mediterranean scrub, sweet spices, notes of resin and fragrant woods… All accompanying a lively, rich sip, with a fine tannic structure and almost salty sensations on the finish
“Profumo di Vulcano” from the winery of Federico Graziani comes from a garden vineyard that represents a cultural microcosm safeguarding biodiversity: the Etna black grape varieties coexist with about forty white berry plants scattered among the rows, within a vineyard that dates back to the late 1800s.
Federico Graziani creates “Profumo di Vulcano” by vinifying a blend of typically local varieties. The black berries Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Alicante, and Francisi are cultivated within a micro plot extending for about half a hectare on the northern slope of Etna, in the Feudo di Mezzo area located in the Passopisciaro fraction of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia. At an altitude of around 600 meters above sea level, the vines sink their roots into a sandy soil with a very rich mineral composition, originating from continuous lava flows and the deposition of eruptive ashes: these are plants with an average age of a century, with some specimens even from the pre-phylloxera era. They benefit from an extremely peculiar microclimate, characterized by summer temperature excursions that reach 28 degrees between day and night, and are cultivated according to the traditional alberello method in a completely natural way, leaving the field grassed and without resorting to synthetic products. The harvesting operations are carried out by hand and the pressing in the cellar precedes spontaneous fermentation, conducted by only indigenous yeasts, in open wooden vats and without temperature control. The aging lasts for 24 months in first and second passage oak tonneaux, followed finally by a rest of an additional 6 months after bottling.
“Profumo di Vulcano” by Fedegraziani presents itself to the eye in an intense ruby red color, particularly transparent. The nose is a complex triumph of aromas: the fruity impact of berries follows citrus notes of orange and mandarin and the aromas of the Mediterranean scrub, granting final nuances of sandalwood essence, spices, and sweet tobacco. The sip is rich and deep, yet of extreme verticality, embroidered on the saline personality and the dynamic tannic texture, towards an elegant finish of fine persistence.