Contrada Sciaranuova 2017 – Tenuta Tascante.

This red wine takes us to the beautiful and divers island of Sicily and more specifically to the wine region Etna. Named after Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, situated on the north-eastern part of the island. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, making viticulture possible on the lower slopes of the mountain. Even though the threat of volcanic eruptions this region became a magnet for terroir-driven producers worldwide. Because of its ability to communicate terroir Nerello Mascalese is the king of the mountain and the dominated variety within the Etna Rosso DOC.

About the Winery

Tasca D’Almerita starting in 1830 with the famous Regaleali estate is nowadays a collection of several wineries on the island of Sicily including Tenuta Tascante. With each estate valuing the indigenous varieties and terroirs of origin. The Tascante project was born in 2007: Tasca and Etna. The wines of Tascante are divided into several districts (contradas) within the Etna Rosso DOC, each of them showcasing the diversity of their unique terroir. 

Within the family business, which is now led by the eight generation, there is a profound respect for history and tradition as well as protecting their inheritance for further generations. Meaning constant awareness of all the ecosystems within the business. In 2021 Tasca d’Almerita received the Robert Parker Green Emblem, an award given to wineries with exceptional effort for sustainable business, today and long-term environmental protection. 

About the Wine 

This wine is made 100% from Nerello Mascalese. The contrada (district) of Sciaranuova is located at an elevation of 730 m above sea level. The formation of volcanic within the contrada origin between 40,000 and 4,000 years old. Vines were planted in 2008 on the northern slopes of the Etna. Nerello Mascalese characterizes as a late ripening variety, and for this specific wine harvest took place at the end of October. 

The grapes are then fermented as a traditional red wine with fermentation temperatures between (25-30°C). Extracting enough structure and flavor but avoids overly ripe aromas and flavors. Resulting in a wine with expressive red fruit aromas like redcurrant and a mix of sour and ripe cherries. The maturation process of the wine takes firstly place in 25hl Slovenian oak barrels and 300 l French oak barrels for 12 months. Giving the wine a subtle spicy character with a hint of licorice, without overwhelming the specific smokiness and minerality which makes this wine an absolute benchmark.

Conclusion:

Even though the grapes grow in a hot Mediterranean climate, this wine contains enough acidic punchiness and is still very balanced with an alcohol level of 13,5%. We are impressed by this wine and the ability to translate the specific characteristics of the terroir into a wine with a very high flavor intensity and long finish. A job well done!

Note: this single vineyard wine is also available in an even more spectacular “old vine version” labelled Etna Rosso doc ‘Contrada Sciaranuova V.V.’

This review is written for us by our own Marylka van de Water. The wine, and other wines from Tasca d’Almerita, are imported by Vinites.

Price:                           €53,50

Taste date:                  January 2023

Score:                           94/100 DWA Score

Website:                      Tasca d’Almerita