Contrada C 2017
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
The heatwaves that hit the mainland of Italy also came to Etna. With no drops in temperature that usually brighten the nights, the long, hot summer lasted until mid-September. We had to add a little water to the vines to help them through. The grapes had ripened steadily and gradually during late summer and, especially, fall. The advanced maturation in the grapes caused the harvest to begin more than a week earlier than usual and all at once, from October 20th to 29th. The nerello mascalese wines of 2017 are strong in body, powerful in structure, with notes of ripe red fruits, blood orange, pomegranate, and camphor.
REVIEWS
Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: “Violet, Mediterranean herb and red berry are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this compelling wine. Silky and full bodied, the palate delivers raspberry compote, crushed Marasca cherry, star anise and flinty mineral alongside taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity and a mineral vein add tension. Drink 2022–2029.”
Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, 92 points: “With fruit from the Contrada Chiappemacine, the 2017 Contrada C shows an unexpected floral note of blue flower, wild rose or orange blossom that lifts gently from the bouquet. The wine offers a solid and compact quality of fruit with good tension and energy locked within. This is an elegant and graceful wine with a fine but loosely knit texture. It ages in large oak casks for 18 months.”
Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 92 points: “A well-knit, medium-bodied red, with grip and tension, displaying an expressive, vibrant range of crushed cherry, fig cake, fragrant marjoram and white pepper flavors and lightly smoky mineral notes. Enjoyable now, but should cellar nicely. Drink now through 2029.”
Gambero Rosso, Tre Bicchieri
BLEND
100% Nerello Mascalese
ALTITUDE
1,800 feet (550 meters)
PRODUCTION
3,720 bottles
