"The A Rina is incredibly elegant with soft red fruit flavours in plums and cherrys in particular. It has overtones of leather and tobacco. On the palate it is fresh with soft, velvety tannins. At is opens up there is a rush of baking spices and blackened vanilla bean flavours, which carry on to the finish."
--------THE PRODUCER--------
Girolamo Russo
Girolamo Russo winery is located on the island of Sicily off the coast of southern Italy. The winery specialises in red wines produced in some of the oldest vineyards on Mt Etna. All wines are natural. It is headed by Giuseppe Russo who was 15 years ago a classical pianist whom knew nothing about making wine. He is now one of the most acclaimed winemakers in Sicily and the leader of Mount Etna wines. The estate was his fathers but it was a touch run down and Giuseppe had to make the call when his father passed away whether to sell or not. We can all we very happy with the fact that he chose not to sell.
--------THE GRAPE--------
Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese is a red grape variety that comes from Italy, It is indigenous to Etna, Sicily, and was first mentioned in the 18th century. It is a child of Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco. Nerello Mascalese is one of the most important native grape varieties across the vineyards of Sicily. Though it shines as the dominant variety in Etna Rosso blends. Siciliy has 3,985ha devoted to it.
--------THE REGION--------
Sicily
Sicily is the island off the south coast of Italy. It is famous for being home to Mt Etna - now a region that is producing some of Sicily's most exciting red and white wines. Overall, Sicily is home to a raft of interesting whites and reds that are light and interesting to fuller in body and age-worthy.