Collection: Dolce&Gabbana and Donnafugata, extraordinary ambassadors of Sicilian culture. When you desire creativity
and craftsmanship.
Denomination: Etna Rosso DOC.
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, the main native red grape variety of Etna. Production area: Eastern Sicily, north side of Etna, between Randazzo
and Castiglione di Sicilia. Etna is a mountain viticulture with vineyards located between 700 and 750 m a.s.l.; the continental climate given by the altitude meets the Sicilian sunshine. In particular, this area north of the volcano is characterized by lower rainfall compared to the average of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, with strong temperature variations between day and night. The soils are sandy, of
volcanic origin, rich in minerals; the vines are trained to the traditional Etna alberello or to vertical shoot positioning system, on terraces
contained by dry lava stone walls.
Vintage and harvest: the 2019 vintage was cool, with rainfalls (802 mm) in line with the average (801 mm); a typical year for Mt.
Etna, with rains recorded also in spring and summer, quite usual for vineyards over 700 m. a. s. l.; in particular, some rainfall between mid August and early September exalted freshness and aroma. On this side of the volcano the following weeks were dry; this climatic factor, together with the choice to carry out some thinning, facilitated the desired ripening and the regular course of the harvest. The harvest of Nerello Mascalese took place in October.
Vinification and aging: once the grapes arrive in the cellar they are sorted on a vibrating table followed by the selection of only perfectly intact and ripe grapes through a destemmer. Fermentation in steel with maceration on the skins for 10-12 days at a temperature of 25° C (77° F). Aging for more than a year in French oak barrels and then for at least 24 months in the bottle before being released.
Analytical data: alcohol 13,97 % ABV – total acidity 5,5 g/l – pH 3,52.
Tasting notes: ruby red colored, Cuordilava presents a bouquet of small red fruits, plum and orange zest accompanied by spicy notes (cinnamon) that intertwine with lavender notes, fresh balsamic and undergrowth hints. On the palate it is ample and deep, characterized by well-integrated tannins and elegant minerality; the long finish enhances its extraordinary personality.
Longevity: over 10 years.
Food & Wine: ideal with legumes and mushroom dishes and red meats. Serve at 18 °C.
Dialogue with creativity: Dolce&Gabbana drew inspiration from the color of the magma to make the capsule and the grosgrain ribbon of the box, while the graphics of the label and packaging refer to the traditional motifs and styles of the Sicilian cart. However, Etna remains the true protagonist at the center of the composition, immersed in a suggestive, almost fairytale landscape, which evokes the chivalrous tales of the storytellers and the theatrical scenes of the Opera dei Pupi. Gold was used on the logo printed on the bottleneck’s collar and on the tissue paper that wraps the bottle, to celebrate the precious and sublime nature of Etna, as unique as Cuordilava. In addition to the 750 ml bottle, Cuordilava is also available in the Magnum format.
First Vintage: 2017