EúxEnos Amphore IGT 2021

Wine Description for EúxEnos Amphore IGT 2021 by Tenuta di Castellaro

Colour & Appearance

Pale gold with luminous brilliance – a wine that already hints visually at its origins from volcanic soil and its maturation in amphorae.

Nose

Fascinatingly complex: white peach and candied pineapple meet fig and honey-glazed almonds. Mediterranean herbal notes of fennel, thyme and wild maquis join the composition. A wine of serious intensity that nonetheless retains its Sicilian charm.

Palate

Here the true personality of this amphora wine reveals itself: multi-layered and textured. The peach and pineapple aromas are joined by yellow kiwis and grapefruit with skin. What is remarkable is the pronounced yet perfectly integrated tannin – the result of two months‘ skin contact. Plenty of juice, impressive body and a vibrant acidity with considerable grip create a balance that unites modern natural wine aesthetics with classical structure.

Finish

Long and persistent with lingering herbal notes and a saline minerality that recalls the volcanic soils and proximity to the sea.

Terroir & Origin

The Malvasia delle Lipari comes from vineyard sites at 350 metres elevation on volcanic sand near the Aeolian island of Lipari. The vines, trained in the traditional Alberello system, benefit from the altitude and mineral-rich soils.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Hand-harvested Malvasia grapes from the final week of September were spontaneously fermented in Cocciopesto amphorae. The approximately 60-day skin contact with regular punch-downs of the cap gives the wine its impressive structure. Followed by a further ten months‘ maturation in amphorae – a vinification that harks back to ancient traditions.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Couscous with sweet almonds, pomegranate and figs, poached eggs with fresh truffle or quiche with leeks, apricots and blue cheese. The tannin structure also makes it an interesting companion for light fish dishes or roasted poultry.

Special Features

The name Eúxenos (ancient Greek for „hospitable“) comes from inscriptions on wine amphorae from a shipwreck that sank off Lipari 300 BC. A wine that masterfully unites history, terroir and innovative vinification.