Sicilian native Antonio Bevilacqua, an engineer by trade, began buying land on Mt. Etna in 2008 to produce some of Sicily's finest wines. Founding Terrazze dell'Etna, he has dedicated himself to the care and restoration of the territory he acquired, including the traditional terraced vineyards that lend their name to his winery.
Today, his daughter Alessia manages the estate’s 40 hectares of vineyards, alongside 20 that they rent, all planted between 600 and 950 metres above sea level on the northwest side of Mt. Etna. This unique position ensures warm days and cool nights while the volcanic soil creates low vigour, producing wines of great intensity and a lovely perfume from low-yielding vines.
Antonio’s consultant oenologist, Roberto Muccifori, marries the delicate intensity of Etna’s wines with a freshness and definition that few others have achieved. Although most of their vineyards are planted with Nerello Mascalese, they also grow a small amount of Nerello Capuccio to help soften the natural tannins of this robust Sicilian grape.
The ‘Ciuri’ is made from Nerello Mascalese vinified ‘in bianco’, without skin contact. It is unoaked, offering great depth and intensity and wonderful length. Their young Etna Rosso, ‘Carusu’, which translates to ‘young boy’ in Sicilian dialect, is made from 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. It ages for six months in used 500-litre barrels and another year in bottle before release. The fruit is vibrant and mineral with lovely length on the finish. The jewel in Terrazze dell'Etna’s crown is their ‘Cirneco’. Made solely from Nerello Mascalese, it is scented and fresh, with oak ageing contributing texture to the palate without detracting from the delicate yet dynamic fruit.
The vineyards are located in the municipality of Randazzo at 750 metres above sea level, on the northern slopes of Etna. The soil is volcanic and the climate is cool, with a notable diurnal temperature range and good ventilation. The free-standing ‘alberello’ bush vines, some of which are over 100 years old, are grown on 'terrazze' or terraces that benefit from good levels of sunshine. 'Cirneco' is the Sicilian word for hunting dog.
The 2019 vintage began with a rainy autumn, which replenished water reserves in the soil. In spring, temperatures were below the seasonal average and the rain that fell during flowering resulted in a reduction in the number of berries and a delay in harvesting. The cool summer helped the plants to grow lush and green, and maintain excellent health, without having suffered water stress.
The grapes were hand harvested. After a lengthy maceration on the skins of around 40 days, fermentation took place at controlled temperatures. The wine was then aged for 18 months in oak and then a further 18 months in bottle before release.
This wine is a deep ruby in colour with violet hues. The intense nose boasts a complex array of aromas including sweet spice, vanilla and mixed berry fruit. The wine has an excellent balance between acidity and tannin. It is supple, elegant and refined with a persistent finish and the potential for long ageing.
