I Vigneri Rosso 2022

For Salvo Foti, Etna wine is a "human wine" due to the small size of the plots and the way they are cultivated. The cultural landscape needs people to reflect its uniqueness. This is why Salvo Foti founded I Vigneri, based on the "Maestranza dei Vigneri" winegrowers' association dating back to 1435. The association of around 35 men is responsible for everything to do with viticulture in the broadest sense - from recultivating old plots and planting new vines to building and maintaining the Muretto Assecco, the typical dry stone walls. I Vigneri prove that craftsmanship and tradition not only have a future, but also represent an intangible and identity-forming value.

I Vigneri Etna Rosso is a forbidden wine. Its production according to ancient methods in the Palmero exempts it from classification as Etna DOP and relegates it to the back of the list as an unclassified Vino Rosso. It is vinified without any temperature control or ageing in wooden barrels and is racked and bottled according to the phases of the moon. The I Vigneri Etna Rosso consists of 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10%, Nerello Cappuccio. The vines for this wine grow in Alberello Etneo and have an average age of 20 years. The average vine density is 7.500. Harvesting begins in the first or second week of October with strict manual selection of the grapes in the vineyard. No destemming, first pressing with the feet, maceration with the skins and stems takes about 8 days. Spontaneous fermentation also takes around eight to ten days. The wine then matures underground in terracotta amphorae for six months before being given minimal sulphur before bottling.

Dark garnet red colour with a slight cloudiness and dark core.

The 2022 I Vigneri Rosso, I Vigneri di Salvo Foti welcomes you with almost Bacchic generosity and exudes its rich perfume with full fruit ahead Dark fruity and concentrated, black berry fruits cumulate with deep red pome fruit; black cherries collide with mulberries, raspberry confit is countered by a clear core note of sloe or wild service tree. There's no mercy here, just fruit cascades from full pipes. The whole is so wonderfully calm and unagitated, underpinned by ethereal and balsamic notes reminiscent of sandalwood, undergrowth and dark tobacco, black pepper, allspice and juniper are framed by wreaths of rosemary.

Thanks to the highly oxidative processing in the Palmento, the funk plays out in the first sip when the volatility rings on the palate. The rich fruit flows leisurely from the goblet like liquid honey from the honeycomb, the dark fruit of the nose is reflected on the palate. The plush, soft tannins are highly flavoured, the acidity sings a duet on the palate and gives the generous appearance the necessary verve, lightness and backbone. Juicy, vinous, velvety and wonderfully old school. Excellent with wintery and spicy cuisine.