2017 I Custodi "Aetneus" Etna Rosso DOC

Owned and operated by Mario Paoluzi in collaboration with Salvo Foti and I Vigneri, I Custodi has been making wine since 2007. I Custodi means the custodians, as Paoluzi views his operation as a preserving, managing, and seeing to of the Etna's precious vineyards.

In practice, I Custodi follows all principles of I Vigneri: organic in the vineyard, excellent pruning skills, albarello trained vines, spontaneous fermentation, and no additives save for small amounts of sulfur. The human aspect to this way of wine making involves an expert team of vine workers, who come in and maintain the vineyards according to principle, as well as the aim to preserve Sicily and Etna's ancient wine making traditions.

The "Aetneus" comes from northern facing vineyards, in Castiglione di Sicilia, more specifically from Contrada Moganazzi. It is a blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% of Nerello Cappuccio, Alicante, and other minor varieties. Direct and soft press of grapes, the fermentation lasts ~15 days in steel tanks, without temperature control. Élevage for 24 months in 500L tonneaux and 18 months in bottle.

If you're looking for a richer, more giving style of an Etna Rosso, this bottle is your jam! Also, how many producers do you see late releasing their wines? Finding Etna with age is not common and Paoluzi makes it a point to hold back some of his cuvee in order to show his wines at their fullest potential.