When company comes and you want to share just the right wine, a wine of quality and, of course, an Italian wine. Look no further than to Vulkà Etna Rosso. A rich and delicious red wine that won’t break the budget.
The wine was paired with a Broccolini Caesar which can be served warm or cold. For this dinner it was served warm. The combination of the crispy, sweet broiled broccolini mixed with parmesan and garlic really called out for a wine that would not be diminshed by the flavours of the dish. Vulkà Etna Rosso was the perfect pairing.
NICOSIA
VULKÀ
Etna, our point of view…
What a great character!
Vulkà Etna Rosso is an authentic interpretation of what the volcano represents to the people living in its shadow: powerful nature and regenerative strength.
VULKÀ ETNA ROSSO
DOC Etna
Vulkà Etna Rosso, a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, is an authentic expression of the terroir of Etna, but characterized by a unique combination of elegance and drinkability. The volcanic origin and the altitude of the vineyards give this wine a remarkable minerality and a great character.
Grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese 80% – Nerello Cappuccio 20%
Vineyards: the soil is volcanic, very rich in minerals, at an altitude of 650-750 m above sea level, with good range of temperature between day and night; training system: espalier spurred cordon
Raccolta: by hand into crates, in the mid-end of October
Maceration: cold maceration for 24 hours
Fermentation: for approximately 10-15 days at a controlled temperature (22-24°C)
Ageing: mainly in stainless steel vats, a short ageing in tonneaux and 5-6 months in the bottle
Alcohol content: 13% vol.
Colour: brilliant ruby red
Nose: a rich aromatic profile with floral hints and notes of red berries and spices
Palate: great minerality and smooth taste; displays a good structure and a long fruity finish
Food Pairings: ideal with tasty pasta dishes, roasted meats and semi-aged cheeses, but it is also a good partner for flavourful seafood dishes
Serving temperature: 16-18°
When looking to pair a vegetarian dish with a wine this one was the first choice. The dish was a grilled broccolini tossed in olive oil, parmesan cheese and garlic. So the obvious choice was an Italian wine, but which one.
Going to the shelf where I keep some imported red wines and there were many to choose from. So why this one? First, it was Italian, second, I have enjoyed other quality Etna wines from another producer so I knew the wine would be good and no risk to try it.
I was right the wine was just the right mix of richness and quality with dark fruits, quite sumptuous without being too ripe. The wine had a leanness that delivered balance and refinement.
If you search the BC Liquor website for Etna you will see this one along with others that range upwards in price. But with Etna Russo Nicosia Vulka you get a quality wine at a good price. In my opinion you need look no further.
$31.99 available at 38 BC Liquor Stores.
ETNA
“Monte Gorna” Vineyards
Trecastagni, at the foot of one of the extinguished craters dotting Mount Etna is home to the ancient vineyards of Monte Gorna, with their distinctive lava terraces completely restructured and replanted with the native varieties used for Etna DOC wines: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for the red, and Catarratto and Carricante for the white. The quality of the soil was formed through the disintegration of lavas and eruptive material.
TENUTE NICOSIA WINES
Great Sicilian wines which come from native vines and international varieties that find in the Island an ideal terroir, resulting in a rare excellence.
Wine notes courtesy of the winery. My notes (in italics). Images: MyVanCity. I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature.