Our journey trough the companies began in one of the most fascinating areas of the Italian viticulture (and beyond): Etna. We are more precisely in the northern slope of the volcano, Passopisciaro, a hamlet of Castiglione di Sicilia, where for generations now, has its roots the company Antichi Vinai. Taking advantage of the multiple factors that the Etna area can offer, the company develops a production that promotes local grapes such as Nerello primarily Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio between red grapes and Carricante and Catarratto among the white grape, without forgetting Black d'Avola, Grillo and Insolia, proposing not only still wines but also interesting versions of classic method sparkling wines Charmat and a sweet wine from Malvasia delle Lipari.
The favorable exposure to the sun, good ventilation, constant and effective natural fertilizer due to the deposition of volcanic ash, a large daily temperature swing, combined with biological treatments in the vineyard and at a very moderate use of sulfur dioxide in the cellar, are all factors that contribute to the production of wines qualitatively valid and very drinkable, with full respect of the territory and of Etna tradition.
Are a case in point the 2012 Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco 2015 of Petralava line, two facets of the sandy soil of volcanic origin.
The first, made from grapes Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, offers floral and young red fruit in the mouth and expresses strong flavor and minerality, moderate tannins and good length, features suggesting pairings with game and meat sauces.
The second, albeit bringing with the very different characteristics of white Carricante and Catarratto, manages to maintain a strongly savory and mineral tasting phase, concentrating its aromas of white flowers and citrus aromas, making it ideal for combinations with dishes fish and shellfish.
But the exponent without a doubt the most representative production of Antichi Vinai, wanting to emphasize that we are quoting only some of their wines, is undoubtedly the Etna Rosso Riserva "Koine" 2011, red wine with great personality obtained from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio cultivated up to 800 meters above sea level and carefully selected during the harvest. The wine is the subject of aging in large oak casks and chestnut for over a year giving it complexity and softness, adding hints of ripe red fruit gently roasted cocoa and coffee which are also found in the tasting phase, mainly it characterized by a marked tannin, pleasant surrounding and great persistence, features that bring a glass of this Koinè to marry with conviction with game of all sorts, and first courses with meat sauce and mushrooms.
Also suggested pairings will just have to try it, we have already done with excellent results...
Winemaker Antichi Vinai 1877
Via Castiglione, 49
95012 Passopisciaro (CT)