Contrada P 2021

ABOUT THE VINTAGE

Contrada Porcaria is a micro zone of a vast district located at about 650 meters above sea level, considered one of the most coveted terroir on Etna because of the particularly rich and luxurious wines it produces; it changes aromas continuously, and has an exotic body and an echo of burnt sugar. The land is composed of a thin layer of lava that crumbles under the feet. The vineyard of this Contrada covers 1.5 hectares.

2021 vintage on the northern side of Mount Etna can be defined as “bizarre”.

Between November and December 2020 we had some rains, even copious in some moments, which brought a discreet water reserve to the plants, especially in the vineyards facing east. This was great for the new vineyard in Contrada Montedolce planted during 2020 Spring.

Starting into the new year, there was a thermic swing between early January and mid-February with rains and even some snow that barely reached the highest vineyards (800/1000 m.) and then an odd heat until the end of February and the beginning of March.

Spring surprises us with low temperatures until the end of May, making me “dream” of the seasonal regularity of past years.

But it’s only a dream!

Suddenly, with the arrival of June, Summer arrives.

The vines, that were a bit late, explode now filling the valley and its splendid terraces with emerald green, going with rhythm towards flowering and fruit set. What a joy!!

Heat, heat and more heat lead us to manage the foliage like haute couture and to support the plants with generous irrigation at night. We don’t need to water the old and centuries-old Nerello Mascalese vines that are able to draw lifeblood from their complex and deep root system.

Fiery sunrises and sunsets follow one another, catching the winegrower’s attention! Suddenly, the Chardonnay grapes were ready to be harvested after August 15th, we promptly started bringing to the cellar perfect and fragrant grapes, these grapes will produce a more intense and fragrant wine.

We were waiting for the temperature drop and the moderate rains at the beginning of September and they finally arrived, allowing us to start red grapes harvest just before mid-October. Days of blue skies, cool and crystalline nights help us to carry out the several harvests of the red grape varieties with our usual style, thus creating red wines of perfect ripeness and good balance.

REVIEWS

James Button, Decanter, 97 points: From 1.5ha of old vines within Contrada Porcaria, at 650m, this is bold and deep in aroma, with ripe red and black cherry and blackcurrant scents accompanied by a balsamic waft. Concentrated, succulent and structured, this is a rounder style with a delicious black cherry and raspberry profile, yet it remains well sculpted on the mid-palate with an intense stony sapidity. The tannins grip readily, while a bright line of acidity lends energy and cuts through the heft. Lovely balance and lifting floral overtones. 2.900 bottles produced.

Jamessucklingcom – James Suckling, 95 points: A full-bodied red with ripe strawberries, spices and light bark. Shows ripeness. It’s full-bodied with integrated tannins that melt into the wine. Flavorful yet subtle. From a one-hectare vineyard at 650 meters altitude. Drink or hold.

Eric Guido, Vinous, 94+ points: A complex and dusty blend of dried cherries, cloves, cedar shavings and sage are lifted by a hint of menthol as the 2021 Contrada Porcaria (P) comes to life in the glass. This is deeply textural, with a wave of pure silk ushering in masses of mineral-tinged red fruits and spice as sour citrus adds a pinch of contrast toward the close. The 2021 finishes dramatically long and intense, leaving a saturation of primary concentration and edgy tannins, all neatly offset by a bump of residual acidity that maintains perfect harmony. This is a powerful vintage of Porcaria with the balance for a long and steady evolution. Bravo.

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