Massimo Lentsch’s original career was in the export business and wine was a passion. In 2005, he established his first winery, Tenuta di Castellaro on Lapari, a small island off the coast of Sicily. The wines were met with acclaim and allowed Lentsch to gain experience in “volcanic” wines. Always captivated by Etna, he spent 15 years travelling to the region to meet the local winemakers, growers and vineyard workers. In 2018 he decided to establish his second winery on the northern slopes of the volcano, identifying the terroir as best suited his quest for a particular style.
The Nerello Mascalese grapes for San Teodoro Etna Rosso are grown on the cool northern slopes of Mount Etna. Besides having deep volcanic soils, this area also has significant temperature variations between day and night that contribute to slow ripening and increased aromatic complexity. The 60-year-old vines are grown organically (not certified) and planted to a density of 7000 per hectare. They are trained in an alberello technique (“little trees” – free standing and ungrafted) with an average vine age of 60 years. After a rigorous selection process, the grapes are partially destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts for 15 days with maceration on the skins. Aging for 12 months in large oak barrels serves to round out the wine and develop its ethereal bouquet. The wine is then bottled without fining or filtration.
The 2018 Massimo Lentsch San Teodoro Etna Rosso shows a bright ruby-red colour with a hint of purple. The nose displays exquisite aromas of blueberry and strawberry along with hints of mountain herbs, allspice, cloves and a harmonious mineral note. The palate is well structured and savory with a lingering finish of fine character. Etna Rosso in this style is particularly age-worthy with good examples continuing to develop for 10 years or more.
Drink now or cellar up to 10 years. Enjoy with oily fish such as mackerel, eggplant and peppers, herbs, cheeses. Try pasta with Sardines and Wild Fennel, Rigatonni alla Norma and Falsamagro (rolled prosciutto, cheese, sausage, boiled egg and peas)
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