Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
From the slopes of Mount Etna, one of the most distinctive and coveted wine regions in Europe, Al-Cantàra’s wines reflect the soul of the people and the land. Al-Cantàra takes its name from the river which flows through the municipality of Randazzo where the winery and the vineyards are located. The 15 hectare vineyard is located at 620 metres above sea level. All the operations related to the vineyard are carried out with total respect for the environment. Al Cantàra also means ‘bridge’ in Arabic which emphasises the link with the Sicilian terroir and symbolises the union between wine, art and poetry. Owner Pucci Giuffrida is a devotee of fine poetry and for this reason all of the names of the wines are inspired by the poems by Sicilian authors.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The 15 hectare vineyard is situated in the Contrada Feudo S. Anastasia at an elevation of approximately 620 metres above sea level, where warm days and cool nights encourage a long ripening period concentrating the flavours in the grapes while retaining balancing acidity. The vines are grown in volcanic soils, which are rich in minerals and fossils. The soil is permeable to air and water and is rich in pumice stone and microelements, which allow the plants to produce a complex aromatic profile. The 14 year old espalier-trained vines are spur cordon pruned. They are cultivated following organic and biodynamic principles and the vineyard is in conversion to organic status. The organic treatments of sulphur and copper treatments are only used when powdery or downy mildew seriously affect the vineyard. The vine moth is combatted by the use of natural pheromones, which generates confusion in the moth and prevents it from attacking the fruit.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
This white wine is made from the dark-skinned red variety Nerello Mascalese. The whole grapes were pressed and vinified reductively with low sulphur content. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks and lasted for 12 to 14 days at controlled temperatures of 14 to 18°C. Following fermentation, the wine rested on its fine lees between four to six months at low temperatures with stirring three times per week to impart texture and delicate complexity. The wine was made using organic methods and received three months bottle ageing prior to release.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Complex aromas of pineapple, wild floral notes and spice combine with hints of liquorice, herbs and mint give way to a fresh and fruity palate. Dry and full flavoured with mineral notes leading to a satisfying finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Nerello Mascalese 100%.