Description

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.

VINEYARD:
The vineyard is situated 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 permeable to air and water and are rich in minerals, fossils, pumice stone and microelements, allowing the vines to produce a complex aromatic profile. The espalier-trained vines are spur pruned. The 10-year-old vineyard is cultivated following organic and biodynamic principles and is in conversion to organic status. The organic treatments of sulphur and copper are only used when powdery or downy mildew seriously affects the vineyard. The vine moth is combated by the use of natural pheromones, which generate confusion in the moth and prevent it from attacking the fruit.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully selected at harvest, and only ripe, healthy fruit was vinified. Fermentation took place on the skins, lasting for 10 to 12 days at controlled temperatures of 25°C. Post-fermentation maceration lasted for five days, extracting colour, flavour and structure, before the wine was pressed off the skins. 50% of the wine was aged in stainless steel for two years; 50% spent one year in barriques and tonneaux, followed by a further year in stainless steel. The wine received a further 12 months of bottle ageing before release.

TASTING NOTE:
An approachable, fresh and fruity wine with red fruit aromas accompanied by delicate notes of cinnamon and wild herbs.

GRAPES:
Nerello Mascalese 100%.