Explore Tenuta di Fessina: 4 Tasting Experiences on Etna

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Discover the ethereal wines of Mount Etna, crafted by Tenuta di Fessina, where volcanic terroir shapes unique flavors. Explore their exquisite offerings!

Exploring the Ethereal Wines of Etna: A Journey Through Terroir

The volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna in Sicily are not just a backdrop; they are a living, breathing entity that profoundly influences the wines produced in its shadow. At the heart of this fascinating world is Tenuta di Fessina, a winery founded in 2007 by enologist Silvia Maestrelli and her husband Roberto Silva. Their passion for the "Muntagna" (the mountain) is palpable, as they harness the unique terroirs—Nord, Sud-Ovest, and Est—to create wines that tell stories of their origins. This article delves into four remarkable offerings from Tenuta di Fessina, each embodying the diverse character of their respective vineyards.

The Essence of Terroir: Understanding Etna’s Unique Soil Composition

The Volcanic Influence

Mount Etna’s rich geological history is a tapestry woven from various lava flows and volcanic ash deposits. Each vineyard sits atop distinct layers of soil that impart unique characteristics to the grapes. For example:

• Contrada Caselle in Milo boasts high precipitation levels and porous soils filled with pumice and lapilli, essential for water drainage.
• Contrada Manzudda features clay-rich terrain interspersed with remnants of ancient craters, allowing for intricate flavor profiles.

These variances contribute significantly to the wine‘s complexity and expressiveness. As noted by Jacopo Maniaci, administrator at Tenuta di Fessina: “Every bottle we produce is like a snapshot of our land’s story.”

ETNA BIANCO SUPERIORE DOC “IL MUSMECI”, 2022

A Symphony in a Glass

Crafted exclusively from Carricante grapes, Il Musmeci is an exquisite representation of Etna’s white varietals. Originating from Contrada Caselle, this wine undergoes meticulous aging—12 months in small oak barrels followed by an additional six months in larger ones.

On pouring, it reveals a pale straw color that hints at its vibrant personality. The nose opens with enticing notes of vanilla and butter but quickly evolves to unveil layers of fresh fruit aromas—think citrus zest and green apple accented by a hint of white pepper.

The palate is surprisingly agile; despite its initial richness on the nose, it offers an invigorating freshness that makes it remarkably food-friendly. Pair it with grilled seafood or creamy risottos to enhance its nuanced flavors.

ETNA BIANCO DOC “A’PUDDARA RISERVA SPECIALE SM – VIGNE ALTE”, 2021

Limited Edition Excellence

Moving southwest to Contrada Manzudda, we encounter A’Puddara—a limited-edition masterpiece crafted from only 600 bottles sourced from a single tonneaux of French oak. This rare offering showcases the potential of Carricante when cultivated under optimal conditions.

Upon tasting, one cannot help but be captivated by its deeper golden hue and mineral-driven bouquet filled with flintstone notes reminiscent of wet rock, alongside exotic tropical fruits like papaya and peach. Herbal undertones of sage and rosemary dance elegantly on the palate.

This wine’s vertical structure and electric acidity make it a standout choice for pairing with herb-crusted lamb or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil.

ETNA ROSSO “ERSE ROSSO CONTRADA MOSCAMENTO 1911”, 2020

A Reflection of Heritage

Erse Rosso takes us back to Rovittello on the northern slopes where the historic Moscamento vineyard flourishes atop ancient lava flows dating back to 1911. Composed entirely of Nerello Mascalese grapes aged for two years in French oak barrels, this wine encapsulates both tradition and modern winemaking techniques.

Its ruby-red color captivates while inviting aromas erupt from the glass—fresh red fruits mingle with violets and subtle spice notes that beckon further exploration. On tasting, one discovers velvety tannins enveloping a lively core that speaks to Etna’s volcanic energy.

Sommelier Laura Greco remarks: “This wine is like a love letter to Sicily—a vibrant expression that captures both heart and heritage.” Its elegance makes it an ideal companion for duck confit or hearty pasta dishes featuring robust sauces.

ETNA ROSSO DOC RISERVA “IL MUSMECI PREFILLOSSERA”, 2022

Complexity Meets Approachability

Our journey concludes with Il Musmeci Prephylloxera—a tribute to old vines planted before phylloxera struck Europe. Sourced from rocky terrain on the northern slopes near Erse Rosso, this wine is crafted solely from Nerello Mascalese grapes aged first in small oak barrels followed by larger casks.

Visually striking with its deeper ruby hue, this wine offers an aromatic palette rich with mature red fruit flavors intertwined with menthol freshness and dark spice complexities. It strikes an alluring balance between power and finesse; while robust on entry, its lively acidity invites another sip.

As Roberto Silva explains: “We aim for our wines to reflect both strength and elegance—the duality that defines Mount Etna itself.” This bottle pairs beautifully with grilled meats or aged cheeses, making it versatile enough for any occasion.

Conclusion: The Future Awaits

Tenuta di Fessina continues to push boundaries while honoring traditional winemaking practices rooted deeply in Sicilian culture. Each sip transports you to the rugged landscapes where these wines are born—a testament to nature’s artistry combined with human dedication.

In an era where sustainability increasingly guides viticulture practices worldwide, wineries like Tenuta di Fessina set an inspiring precedent through their commitment to preserving biodiversity within their vineyards while producing wines that honor their unique terroir.

Ultimately, as we explore these extraordinary wines from Mount Etna—each telling its own story—we realize that they are more than just beverages; they are invitations to connect with history, culture, and nature itself. Cheers!

Photo by Jonathan Hunt on Unsplash