This is a predominantly Smooth & Silky wine, but it shares structural nuances of Tone & Backbone as described in the tasting note below.
Tasting Notes
Medium-plus in body, acidity and tannins, there are flavors of bramble and red cherry fruit, with more subtle rose and herbaceous notes. There are aromas of leather, earth and a smokey minerality in the long finish.
Body is the impression of a wines weight, density, or its ‘mouth-feel’. Some wines feel weighty, or full bodied, while others feel light bodied. Wine runs the gamut from light to full, with most falling somewhere in between.
TANNIN
Low
Subtle
Balanced
Pronounced
High
Tannin can range greatly in wine, but it is necessary to some degree, and a necessary constituent for red wines to age well. In high amounts, it can cause a drying affect, which is sensed mostly on the gums and tongue. Tannin is a natural preservative extracted from grape skins, otherwise known as polyphenols that are micronutrients and antioxidants with potential health benefits.
ACIDITY
Soft
Subtle
Balanced
Pronounced
High
Acidity is a foundational component in wine. In fact, low acidity, or ‘flabby’ wine (as the term suggests) is a negative. You can sense acidity mainly on the sides of your tongue. Acidity generally ranges from balanced to high. Crisp acidity adds freshness, making your mouth water. Acidity is a necessary element and helps to balance other components.
SWEETNESS
Dry
Off Dry
Medium Dry
Medium Sweet
Very Sweet
Most wines are characterized as dry to off-dry, but there are some grape varietals, like Riesling, that run the gamut from dry to sweet. The tip of the tongue mainly detects sweetness, which is why it is often the primary characteristic detected. Sweetness is derived from residual sugar that did not ferment into alcohol.
ALCOHOL
14.5%
Alcohol is the by-product of fermentation. Differing grape varieties have differing potential alcohol levels, but regardless warmer areas result in riper grapes resulting in higher alcohol. Alcohol level is an objective number, but its affect on its palate impression is largely determined with how well integrated and balanced it is with other components.
Sicily has gems, Girolamo Russo is one of the key sources.
GRAPE VARIETAL(S)
Nerello Mascalese
94%Ne-RELL-o Mas-ca-LAY-zay
Nerello Mascalese is a grape indigenous to the slopes of Etna in north-east Sicily. The name Nerello is derived from Nero, meaning black, while Mascalese is a reference to Mascali, an area east of Etna and close to the coast. The wine is light in color and with fresh acidity, red-fruit flavor, gentle tannins which makes them attractive in their youth, but with enough structure to make them capable of ageing gracefully.
Nerello Capuccio
6%Neh-REL-loh Kah-POO-choh
Nerello Cappuccio is a red grape variety from Sicily, often blended with Nerello Mascalese. It produces wines with bright acidity, soft tannins, and flavors of red berries, herbs, and floral notes. Nerello Cappuccio adds color and aromatic complexity to blends, especially in Etna wines.
Girolamo Russo is located in the Etna DOC region of Sicily, one of Italy’s most dynamic wine areas. After studying music and literature, Giuseppe Russo took the reins of the estate in 2004 in dedication to his father. He understands the harmony and art of wine.
The estate is situated on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, an active volcano that imparts unique characteristics to the wines produced here. The estate champions indigenous grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, which thrive in the rich, mineral-laden soils. Russo’s winemaking philosophy combines tradition and innovation, embracing both modern techniques and the wisdom of local practices which have maintained ancient vineyards over centuries old. Nerello Mascalese dominates the reds, producing wines with finesse, complexity, and a hallmark minerality, while the whites, often made from Carricante, showcase freshness and purity.
With a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable viticulture, the estate’s elegant wines reflect the complex, volcanic nature of the region and offer a distinctive sense of place.
Red Cherry
Leather
Smoke
Organic
