Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Alicante, Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy

Wild, buzzing and unpredictable like Bernard the Honeycomb cereal bee boy.   From the northern slopes of Mt Etna, 90 year alberello (bush) vines of Nerello Mascalese were hand harvested along with a small percentage (less than 5%) of Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante (Grenache), typical blending grapes of the area. 70% of the grapes were de-stemmed by hand, the rest of the grapes were tossed in as whole bunches to add scent-ual juiciness & stemmy tannins. On the skins for 15 days & foot trodden several times, the fermentation was then transferred to stainless steel to blossom fully. After 6 months on fine lees it was transferred to a HUGE old oak cask for another 6 months, before bottling in December 2018(!) without fining or filtration. Deep crimson in colour, with underripe cherries, cola nut and BOLD strawberries, coupled with floral ash, liquorice and fennel root, cracked Earth, peppery spices and a long n’ dusty mountain road finish. Enjoy with a loved one and don’t be afraid of the possible contemplative quietness – when words run out and we can plainly be together, we know the true magic of companionship.