Antonio Sasa 2012 Etna Rosso 750ml

Winemaker's Notes:

Winemaker: Antonio Sasa

Available Sizes: 750ml

Alcohol: 13% alcohol by volume

Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC

Grape Varieties: 100% Nerello Mascalese

Exposure: North and Northeast

Altitude: 2250 feet above sea level

Soil: Deep porous volcano ash soil with traces of sand, very rich in minerals

Vineyard Training: Alberello

Summary: Tony Sasa is a man of the soil who, having been reared on the family farm, has become renowned as a globe-trotting epicurean and passionate advocate of fine Italian wine. Owner and curator of Florence’s excellent Enoteca Pontevecchio wine and food shop in the heart of Florence, Tony is a man bent on finding both the best-kept secrets in Italian wine and the up-and-coming stunners, for his shop and for export. He is considered to be the local expert in soil, climate, and vintages, and is now releasing his discoveries and blends under his own name.

Vinification: The alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation were both carried out in stainless steel tanks, followed by 8 months of ageing in oak barrels and 3 months in the bottle prior to release.

Aromas & Flavors: This rare red from Tony Sasa is one of those exceptional wines that manages to combine elegant refinement and commanding structure in one seamless sip. Indeed this handsome Sicilian boasts an array of intriguing components that glide across the palate with irresistible style. Seductive flavors of red cherry are framed by black pepper spice, licorice and a compelling mineral note that serves as a reminder of the deep brown volcanic soil from which it came. It is a wine that it undeniably attractive in its youth, but will only get better with age.

Varietal Notes:

Nerello Mascalese – is thought to be a crossing of Sangiovese and another unknown varietal. It is a late ripening, dark skinned grape with high acidity and tannins. It often has earthy nuances and is compared to the wines of Burgundy.