Pietradolce Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso 2020

Pietradolce — Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso 2020

Context

Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso 2020 from Pietradolce is one of the purest and most emblematic expressions of the northern side of Mount Etna. Sourced from the historic Contrada Feudo di Mezzo, this wine comes from old vineyards—many of them pre-phylloxera—trained in the traditional alberello system at around 650 meters of altitude, where Nerello Mascalese finds ideal conditions to express elegance, tension, and volcanic depth.

Terroir

Located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, the Contrada Feudo di Mezzo is one of the most renowned areas of the appellation.
The soils are sandy and extremely rich in volcanic rock, ensuring excellent drainage, low yields, and an aromatic profile marked by minerality and freshness, despite the southern latitude.

Viticulture

Grape variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese
Training system: Alberello (bush vines)
Vine age: approximately 80 years, pre-phylloxera
Harvest: Manual
Harvest period: Second half of October

Vinification

The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with 18 days of skin maceration, extracting structure and complexity without sacrificing finesse.
Pressing is gentle, respecting the integrity of the must. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally.

Aging

The wine is aged for 14 months in fine-grain oak barrels with light toasting, allowing the tannic structure to integrate while preserving the mineral identity of Nerello Mascalese and the Etna terroir.

Tasting Notes

An elegant and precise red wine. On the nose, sour cherry, pomegranate, dried flowers, and fine spices emerge, supported by a clear smoky and mineral note typical of volcanic soils. On the palate, it is tense and deep, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, saline, and persistent finish.

Pairings

Excellent with:

• grilled or roasted meats

• lamb and kid goat

• Mediterranean cuisine

• pasta with meat-based sauces

• medium-aged cheeses

Service

Temperature: 16–18 °C
Glass: medium-bodied red wine glass, Burgundy style
Decanting: recommended, especially in the first years

Technical Sheet

Producer: Pietradolce
Wine: Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso
Vintage: 2020
Classification: Etna Rosso DOC
Region: Sicily — Etna (northern slopes)
Contrada: Feudo di Mezzo
Altitude: 650 m
Grape variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese
Soils: Sandy, rich in volcanic rock
Training system: Alberello (pre-phylloxera vines)
Vine age: ~80 years
Harvest: Manual, second half of October
Maceration: 18 days
Pressing: Gentle
Malolactic fermentation: Natural
Aging: 14 months in fine-grain oak barrels, lightly toasted
Alcohol: 14% vol.