Contrada R 2022
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Contrada Rampante is the highest Contrada located over 1,000m high. The vineyard is located at the limits of vine cultivation on Etna. The extension is 1.7 hectares. Contrada R is one of the most delicate and aromatic wines that can be found on the slopes of the volcano. The soils are very old lava, sandier and more oxidized than other parts. Because of its remarkable height it is always the last vineyard to be harvested.
As soon as the 2021 harvest was over at the end of October, we witnessed a torrential rain that caused a flood, especially in the Randazzo area. Between the end of November and the end of December we saw more rain in all our vineyards, cold temperatures and snow at altitudes of 1.200/1.500 meters a.s.l. A great start to winter that created good water reserves in the soil.
2022 started off with rather cold temperatures. Budbreak was regular, and the spring rains further replenished our water reserves. This fact, combined with the very warm temperatures in early summer, contributed to a rapid development of the canopy.
At 1000 meters asl, Rampante enjoys colder temperatures and less stress for the water reserves having less exposure to the sun light. This helped on getting a perfect ripening conditions. Hand picking took place on October 27th.
REVIEWS
Vinous, 94-96 points: “The 2022 Contrada Rampante is intense, wafting up with all of the volcanic ash and stones that make up its soils, complicated by grilled herbs and citrus-laced blackberries. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic in feel, with a wave of vibrantly ripe red and blue fruits that swirl throughout as tactile minerals collect toward the close. It finishes with teeth-coating tannins and concentration, leaving a sensation of liquid stone and a resonance of tart cranberry toward the close. Wow, I swear I can sense the soil of the vineyard in the glass. Tasted from barrel.”
BLEND
100% Nerello Mascalese
ALTITUDE
1,000 m asl (3,300 feet)
PRODUCTION
3,350 bottles
