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| Surrounded
by turn-of-the century cottages, our vineyard lies on the North Eastern
slopes of Mount Etna. This area is called Valle Galfina, and at 2,300
feet
above sea level, is the center of the Etna DOC region. This vine
growing
area goes back to antiquity, and the fine art of viticulture has been
handed
down from generation to generation. The Valle Galfina valley with its
volcanic
soil, its particular microclimate and low yields produces very high
quality
wines. The wines of Tenuta Scilio are made exclusively from the
vineyards
of the family estate, cultivated organically, cared for laboriously,
combining
Sicilian traditions of winemaking with the most modern techniques of
vinification.
This produces a wine with a complex nose of fruit and perfume, with a
taste
that is unctuously delicious, suggestive of black cherries, chocolate
leather
and cedar. Uncertified Organic Wine (Producer states they do not use artificial fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. While we cannot prove the veracity of this, we also have no reason to believe it is not true.) Review: “...a supremely sophisticated wine, particularly, because it delivers so much complexity, and so much concentration, with utter ease and grace....one of the top Etna reds, in my opinion.... Definitely first-class stuff, with enough build and fruit to keep going for awhile, though it is drinking beautifully now.” Chaad Thomas (9/26/07) Sommelier at Pesano's, Ann Arbor, Michigan “From the northeastern slopes of volcanic Mount Etna, this hearty red (formerly marketed under a similar label as "Orpheus") is made from two indigenous Sicilian grapes - Nerello Mascalese (80%) and Nerello Cappuccio (20%) - and sees both French and American oak. Dark garnet in color, it breathes smoky, meaty black fruit in the aroma and full, balanced, tart and tannic flavor. Outstanding with grilled lamb chops with a bourbon-molasses reduction sauce.” Robin Garr's 30 Second Wine Advisor - 9/14/07 NOTABLE AWARD “Barrique-aged Etna Rosso Orpheus (Phiale)’00 is most successful, with an elegant nose and a stylish, soft palate.”  Two
bicchieri GR 2005Recent Vintage - 1999 * * * * (Four Stars) Outstanding "Indigenous Sicilian grape varieties grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna exude black fruit, dry spice, chocolate and nut flavors in this intriguing wine." Food & Wine's Wine Guide 2007 "Beautifully made and a pleasure to drink, this is one of the most interesting wines coming out of Sicily and happily is clearly a Sicilian wine - not Australian shiraz." Craig Camp; August 2004 One bicchiere - Gambero Rosso, Italian Wines 2004 |
Region:
Sicily
Classification: Etna DOC Area of Production: Valle Galfina, North of Mount Etna Grapes: 80% Nerello Mascalese, 20% Nerello Cappuccio Climate: Hilly with noteworthy fluctuations between night and day Soil: Volcanic soil, rich in minerals Altitude: 2300 feet above sea level Production per Acre: 1.70 tons Average age of vines: 40 years Vinification technique: Long maceration of the must with temperature-regulated fermentation. Maturation: 65% in small French oak barrels and 35 % in American oak, for 12 months Total Acidity: 6.3 g/l Residual Sugar: 3.8g/l PH: Unknown Alcohol: 14% Total Cases Produced: 2,080 |