Cantine Nicosia is based at the foot of Etna, on the east coast of Sicily, where Carmelo Nicosia, along with his sons Franceso and Graziano (5th generation), have developed their family business into one of the area's most important wine producers. Their Trecastagni winery is where tradition meets ultra-modern technology. The 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes are sourced from vines trained on the ancient 'alberello' system, on the south-east slopes of Mount Etna, at around 550-600m altitude. Soils are volcanic, rich in minerals and containing red pumice stone. The grapes are hand-harvested into crates in the second half of October. Maceration and fermentation lasts around 10-15 days at controlled temperature (24-26°C). Then whilst half the wine remains in stainless steel, the other half matures for 5-6 months in barrique, followed by a further 5-6 months in large oak casks. The finished wine spends a further 6 months in bottle before release. Delicate aromas of wild cherry with herbal and lightly spicy notes. The palate is elegant and complex with redcurrant and sour cherry fruit balanced by savoury characters. Fine, grippy tannins give structure, with juicy acidity leading to a long and fresh finish.