August 2017 Imported Wine: 2013 Scilio Valle Galfina Etna Rosso, Etna-Sicily, Italy
fine Wine Source Wine
August 2017
Tenuta Scilio: The Scilio Family is in their fifth generation of producing wines on their estate in Linguaglossa. Their winemaking is a family tradition that has been safeguarded and passed on to the present and future generations. The Scilio Family philosophy is based on the careful cultivation of the vineyards to yield the best possible grape production for wines that persevere and reflect the characteristics of the Etna Terrior. Surrounded by turn-of-the century cottages, the vineyard lies on the north eastern slopes of Mount Etna, an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily. Valle Galfina is 2,300 feet above sea level and is at the center of the Etna DOC region. This vine growing area dates back to the ancient times and the fine art of viticulture had been handed down from generation to generation. The Valle Galafina with its volcanic soils, particular microclimate, and low yields produces very high quality wines. The wines of Tenuta Scilio are made from the vineyards of the family estate, cultured organically and cared for laboriously; subsequently, combining Sicilian traditions of winemaking with the most modern techniques of vinification.
About:The Etna Rosso from Tenuta Scilio is produced as an uncertified organic wine. This means the producer states that they do not use artificial fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. They validity of this is not proven; however, with the production methods and vineyard maintenance techniques there is no reason to believe that this is not the case. The soil is rich in volcanic minerals; the climate has significant temperature fluctuations from day and night since the vineyards sit at 2300 feet above sea level. The yields are low, averaging 2.68 tons per acre with an average vine age of 20+ years. The Rosso is vinified from a long maceration of the must with temperature regulated fermentation, aged in large new wood casks, and then six months in the bottle. Total production is around 2,500 cases.
Varietals: 100% Nerello Mascalese .
Alcohol: 14%
Tasting Notes: Crisp tannins give this wine a dark purple color with a hint of wood on the nose. Deep rich plum and dark berry fruit notes treat the tongue to a tantalizing taste of old world Sicilian vino!
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Rich with opulent spices; a red wine that shows a lot of intensity. Best served with rich and spicy dishes.