Among the producers who have revitalized Etna winemaking, Silvia Maestrelli is one of the stars. Based originally in Milan, from an entrepreneurial Florentine family, Silvia arrived in Etna accompanied by her husband and business partner Roberto Silva. They are located in Frazione Rovittello of Castiglione di Sicilia, an area based between two ancient lava flows from 1809 and 1911.
Made with Nerello Mascalese 90%, Nerello Cappuccio 8% and Minnella, Carricante. Erse tells an ancient story linked to Etna artisan winemaking, The aim is to enhance the true expression of indigenous varietals through the study of specific terroir. Dedicated to the Greek goddess of dew. A "morning wine" with pronounced fruit and a pleasant freshness, it comes from an east-facing vineyard, sheltered from the afternoon heat.
Rovittello is located in the beating heart of Fessina, nestled between two semicircular lava trails. The soil is fine and deep, composed mainly of pumice and fine unstructured clays. The vineyard is home to centuries-old planting layouts. Mainly composed of Nerello Mascalese and a small portion of Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante & Minnella. These vineyards were planted in the 1950s and are at 700m above sea level.
Hand-harvested in October, after careful selection of the grapes in the vineyard and on a sorting belt they are gently destemmed and crushed with rollers. Fermentation with maceration on the skins (6 to 9 days) at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, this wine is then aged for 12 months in bottle prior top release.
Tasting note: Light ruby in the glass. On the nose - wild blackberries, coriander, cloves, allspice and pink pepper. Full-bodied and silky, on the palate the wine is round and spicy, with notes of mixed red and dark berries, notes of wild herbs and a touch of florality.
Food Match: Serve with roasted pigeon or other light game.